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

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.