A Case of Acute Endophthalmitis After 23-gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute endophthalmitis associated with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and gas tamponade for macular hole surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old female patient who presented with a macular hole in the left eye was treated with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy. On postoperative day 2, the patient developed acute endophthalmitis and was treated with gas-fluid exchange, lensectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection. Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in the vitreous fluid of the operated eye. Intraoperative fundus findings showed severe retinal hemorrhage, vascular occlusion and fibrous membranes due to inflammatory response. After treatment, the patient's fundus findings markedly improved and the inflammatory response was controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Acute endophthalmitis after sutureless vitrectomy performed via intraocular gas injection may quickly result in inflammation and disease due to infection. Immediate reoperation and intravitreal antibiotic injections are recommended in such cases.