Soft tissue infections after open lacrimal surgery

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue infection after open lacrimal surgery is said to be uncommon. This study was designed to determine the rate of infection and the effect of early antibiotic prophylaxis after open lacrimal surgery.

Methods: Two consecutive patient groups undergoing open lacrimal surgery were studied by review of case notes: the first group (152 patients) did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis after surgery, and the second group (128 patients) did.

Results: Infection occurred in 2 of the 128 patients who were given prophylactic antibiotics (1.6%) and in 12 of the 152 patients who were not (7.9%; P < 0.02). Silicone intubation did not affect the infection rate, but patients who had sustained previous facial trauma did have a significantly increased rate of infection (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Soft tissue infection occurs in approximately 8% of patients after open lacrimal surgery. A 5-fold reduction in this rate can be achieved with routine administration of antibiotics after surgery. The use of silicone tubing does not increase the risk of infection.