Endophthalmitis Associated With a Releasable Suture

Abstract

Releasable sutures are used to titrate bleb function after trabeculectomy. Intraocular infection is considered a potential risk of a releasable suture because the exposed suture end might provide a wick for bacteria to enter the eye. We report the first case of endophthalmitis associated with a releasable suture after a trabeculectomy. Report of a Case. An 81-year-old woman was referred to us for evaluation of uncontrolled, open-angle glaucoma. Despite undergoing argon laser trabeculoplasty and using maximum tolerated glaucoma medications, her visual field continued to deteriorate and her intraocular pressure varied between 14 and 22 mm Hg. Her visual acuity was 20/40 OD and 20/20 OS. She underwent a trabeculectomy and was administered 0.4 mg/mL intraoperative mitomycin C in the left eye. A limbus-based, conjunctival flap was made superonasally. A partial-thickness, scleral flap was dissected. A piece of cellulose sponge (Weck-Cel, Xomed-Treace, Jacksonville, Fla) soaked in mitomycin C was placed under