[Vitrectomy in the treatment of endophthalmitis].

PURPOSE: To present our experience with the surgical management of endophthalmitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of 27 pars plana vitrectomies in 19 patients with clinical evidence of endophthalmitis were analysed. The endophthalmitis was considered as endogenous in 4 cases and exogenous in 15 cases. RESULTS: With the use of vitrectomy good anatomical and functional results were obtained. Pre-operative visual acuity was worse than 1/50 in 16 patients and ranged from 1/50 to 4/50 in 3 patients. Postoperative visual acuity was worse than 1/50 in 7 patients, ranged from 1/50 to 4/50 in 3 patients and was better than 5/50 in 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy in the management of endophthalmitis makes it possible to collect material for culture, removal of viable organisms and inflammatory products. In cases of posttraumatic endophthalmitis vitrectomy allows to prevent future complications.