Bringing Eyelid Surgery in Line with International Guidelines Regarding Peri-Operative Antibiotic Agents: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background:

International guidelines advise against prophylactic antimicrobial agents for primarily closed surgical incisions, but most oculoplastic surgeons report using chloramphenicol ointment. We evaluated baseline surgical site infection (SSI) rates in patients undergoing eyelid surgery who received prophylactic chloramphenicol ointment post-operatively. Withdrawal of prophylaxis was then prospectively audited to establish whether infection rates changed in a clinically meaningful way. This article reports the early findings.

Patients and Methods:

A single-center retrospective audit was undertaken; electronic medical records were reviewed for consecutive patients who underwent eyelid surgery with primary incision closure. All patients received post-operative prophylactic chloramphenicol. Those with histopathologic evidence of malignancy were excluded. Patient demographics, surgical details, evidence of post-operative SSI and other complications were recorded. Local policy was changed in accordance with national guidelines; prophylactic chloramphenicol ointment was withheld, and the above information collected prospectively. Our policy excluded skin malignancies, full thickness skin grafts, patients on systemic immunosuppression, and diabetes mellitus because of potential increased infection risk.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups, except seniority of surgeon. Surgical site infection was identified in 14 of 872 eyes (1.6%) receiving post-operative chloramphenicol, and three of 133 eyes (2.25%) without antibiotic agents, which was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Post-operative SSI rates in eyelid surgery are low. Routine use of prophylactic antibiotic agents in primarily closed surgical eyelid incisions does not adhere to international standards and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Early results suggest infection rates remain low without prophylactic chloramphenicol; clinicians should consider withdrawing it from routine practice in suitable patients.