[Preoperative infection prophylaxis with 1% polyvidon-iodine solution based on the example of conjunctival staphylococci].

BACKGROUND: Most germs causing postoperative endophthalmitis derive from the conjunctival bacterial normal flora. Postoperative endophthalmitis is often induced by staphylococcal germs. The application of polyvidone-iodine solution to the conjunctiva is one possibility to reduce potential endophthalmitis-causing bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution concerning the reduction of colonization with staphylococci in the course of intraocular surgery. This is to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution concerning coagulase-negative and positive staphylococci.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with intrabulbar surgery (300) had three conjunctival swabs taken: the first immediately prior to preoperative preparation in the operating theatre, following in-patient application of antibiotic eye drops (Polymyxin-B-sulfat, Neomycinsulfat and Gramicidin in combination); the second swab was taken after antisepsis with polyvidone-iodine before opening the conjunctiva. At the end of surgery the third smear was taken.

RESULTS: In 30.3% staphylococci were isolated from eyes before disinfection. Some patients (7.7%) were staphylococci-positive after disinfection; 5.3% of the patients showed staphylococcal growth at the end of surgery. To evaluate the effectiveness of polyvidone-iodine 1% solution we compared the first and the second smear (Mc Nemar). We found a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). At the end of surgery the conjunctival colonization with staphylococcal germs remained statistically significant reduced (P < 0.001). The mean operation time was 37 +/- 24 min.

CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that a significant reduction of a staphylococcal colonization can be achieved by preoperative application of polyvidone-iodine (1%) (P < 0.001). Even at the end of surgery the effect of 1% polyvidone-iodine solution held.