Infection Prophylaxis with Silastic Sponge Explants in Retinal Detachment Surgery

Abstract

In our animal model, silastic scleral sponges retained bactericidal levels of neomycin sulfate for at least 1 week, when thoroughly infiltrated prior to episcleral placement. This would provide an effective protection against acute buckle infections caused by bacteria contaminating the surgical field. Our clinical experience in 1,081 consecutive scleral buckling procedures substantiates the validity of this conclusion.