Endophthalmitis’ Statistical Data In An Ophthalmology Service. What Is The Nurses’ Role In Endophthalmitis Prevention?
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PPE1.02 | Type: ESONT Abstract | DOI: 10.82333/230b-pe97
Authors: Mrs Neli Leitão Bastos* 1 , Mrs Dina Costa 1 , Mrs Ana Rita Pires 1 , Mrs Liliana Santos 1 , Mrs Luciana Forte 1 , Mr Luis Filipe 1 , Mr Mário Miranda 1 , Mrs Natalina Condinho 1 , Mrs Fátima Canais 1
1Bloco Operatório Oftalmologia,ULS Coimbra,Coimbra,Portugal
Purpose
Describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of inpatients diagnosed with postoperative endophthalmitis and to determine its incidence in the Ophthalmology Department of ULS Coimbra.
Setting
Surgical site infections represent a serious safety issue, with major impact on population health and substantial economic burden. Postoperative endophthalmitis stands out for its clinical severity and potential for irreversible visual loss, warranting particular attention to prevention. The perioperative nurse plays a pivotal role in implementing evidence-based practices that minimize infection risk and promote health gains.
Methods
Retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study conducted in the Ophthalmology Department, ULS Coimbra between January 2020 and June 2025. Sample non-probabilistic and purposive, including all inpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of postoperative endophthalmitis. Descriptive statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics® software, with a favorable opinion from the Ethics Committee of ULS Coimbra.
Results
Sample: 116 patients, predominantly male, older than 75 years, with a high prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly hypertension (67%) and diabetes mellitus (45%). The incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis among patients operated in this department was 0.07%, consistent with published data. All participants experienced visual loss after infection; 15% had total loss and 7% underwent enucleation/evisceration. The impact on care delivery resulted in 752 additional hospital days. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusions
The results highlight the need to strengthen nursing practices focused on skin antisepsis, maintenance of a sterile operative field, and education of patients and families regarding the postoperative therapeutic regimen.The data obtained provide support for the implementation of institution-wide, evidence-based protocols and for future prospective studies to further explore risk factors and infection control strategies in ophthalmic surgery.