[Incidence of postoperative bacterial infections after planned intraocular interventions].

Between August 1982 and August 1984 3059 intraocular operations were performed with topical prophylactic antibiotics. Results of conjunctival cultures did not influence the surgical schedule. 8179 intraocular operations were performed between September 1984 and August 1988. An intraocular operation was postponed until conjunctival cultures were negative using topical antibiotics administered at hourly intervals. The rate of postoperative intraocular infections decreased significantly (p less than 0.0001) from 21 (0.69%) of 3059 during the first to 9 (0.11%) of 8179 intraocular operations during the second observation period. In the first period 11 vitrectomies and 2 enucleations due to bacterial endophthalmitis had to be performed. In the second period 2 vitrectomies and no enucleations were necessary (p less than 0.0001). Our results indicate, that decontamination of the conjunctiva may be an import factor for the prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis following elective intraocular surgery.