Use of a subpalpebral lavage system as salvage therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa panophthalmitis due to an infected scleral buckle

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2024 Mar;34(2):589-593. doi: 10.1177/11206721231213402. Epub 2023 Nov 13.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case and surgical technique for management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa panophthalmitis secondary to an infected scleral buckle.

Methods: Surgical technique video for management of an infected scleral buckle resulting in panophthalmitis with scleral buckle and suture explant and insertion of a subpalpebral lavage system.

Results: After two months, the visual acuity was restored to hand motion, likely secondary to a fibrotic secondary membrane, and the retina remain attached. This reports the first description of globe salvage for panophthalmitis from a P. aeruginosa-infected scleral buckle.

Conclusion: This case encourages surgeons to remove all aspects of an exposed scleral buckle, including sutures, and emphasizes the importance of routine culture of all explanted material, even in the absence of clinical infection. In addition, this case encourages the use of a subpalpebral lavage in cases of severe P. aeruginosa ocular infections.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aerguinosa panophthalmitis; scleral buckle biofilm; scleral buckle infection; scleral buckle panophthalmitis; subpalpebral lavage.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Panophthalmitis* / surgery
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Retinal Detachment* / surgery
  • Salvage Therapy
  • Scleral Buckling
  • Therapeutic Irrigation