Inadvertent intravitreal gentamicin injection

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2002 Mar-Apr;12(2):138-40. doi: 10.1177/112067210201200211.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the management and consequences of an accidental injection of gentamicin in the vitreous.

Methods: A retinal detachment developed in a 70-year-old male. During a vitrectomy operation, gentamicin (20mg) was accidentally injected in to the eye. The surgeon immediately began vigorous lavage of the vitreal cavity with balanced salt solution.

Results: No toxic signs appeared after the operation, despite the devastating consequences described in previous reports.

Conclusions: The immediate vigorous lavage may have reduced the concentration of the toxic material and its consequences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetates
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Gentamicins / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Intraoperative Complications / chemically induced
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Minerals
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced
  • Retinal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Therapeutic Irrigation
  • Vitreous Body / drug effects*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • BSS solution
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gentamicins
  • Minerals
  • Sodium Chloride