Endophthalmitis and Toxic Anterior Segment Syndromes In a Private Day Surgery Over 25 Years

1. Richard Smith^1,2
2. Margaret Kearns^1,2,3

¹Sydney Eye Specialist Centre, Sydney, Australia
²Sydney University, Australia
³Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Purpose
To identify preventable causes of endophthalmitis and toxic anterior segment syndromes

Setting Private Day Surgery in Sydney Australia in operation for 25 years

Methods
Documentation and root cause analysis of all cases of endophthalmitis and TASS encountered over 25 years

Results
This study identifies cases arising from faulty surgical products, breaks in sterilization and medication handling protocols as well as sporadic cases for which no cause could be identified. The overall incidence is not high relative to other studies but many of these cases were preventable. The study validates the importance of rigorous theatre systems and protocols

Conclusion
Incidence of endophthalmitis and TASS can be minimized by rigorous systems and protocols in the operating theatre