ABSTRACT
AIM: To discuss the clinical effect of 23-gauge pas plana vitrectomy ( PPV) for delay-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.? METHODS: This retrospective chart review study included patients with delay-onset endophthalmitis that was present 6wk or more after cataract surgery, who underwent 23-gauge PPV from January 2010 to January 2016 at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. The diagnosis was made according to clinical symptoms and signs. The postoperative follow - up results were recorded, including anterior segment examinations, fundus examinations, and best-corrected visual acuity.?RESULTS:Totally 15 patients (15 eyes) were included. The average time between cataract surgery and their eye symptoms of endophthalmitis was 5. 13 ± 2. 41mo. The culture isolates revealed that 9 eyes ( 60％) were cultured positive, anaerobes in 4 eyes (44％), fungal infections in 3 eyes ( 33％) , aerobes in 2 eyes ( 22％) . The mean follow-up period was 12mo. The final visual outcomes were as follows:11 eyes ( 73％) achieved a better vision with PPV; 3 eyes ( 20％) achieved a better vision with PPV, total capsulectomy ( TC ) and IOL removal; 1 eye ( 7％) with PPV, silicone oil tamponade, total capsulectomy ( TC ) and IOL removal was enucleated because of uncontrolled inflammation.?CONCLUSION: The 23-gauge PPV is safe and effective for the management of delay - onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Recurrence rate might be decreased with total capsulectomy and IOL removal.