Background/aims This is the first nationwide prospective study to investigate the incidence and risk factors of endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods This was a prospective, nationwide casecontrol study. Cases of presumed infectious endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of PPV were reported via the established British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit. The surveillance period was 2 years. Controls (patients who had PPV but no endophthalmitis) were recruited from nine randomly selected UK centres. Results 37 reports were received and 28 cases met the diagnostic criteria for presumed infectious endophthalmitis following PPV. The incidence of endophthalmitis following PPV was 28 cases per 48 433 PPVs (1 in 1730 with a 95% CI of 1 in 1263 to 1 in 2747). 272 controls were randomly recruited from nine UK centres. Smaller gauge port sizes were not found to be a risk. Immunosuppression (OR 19.0, p=0.001) and preoperative topical steroids (OR 131.4, p<0.001) increased the endophthalmitis risk. Operating for retinal detachment was associated with a reduced risk of endophthalmitis (OR 0.10, p=0.005). Conclusions Endophthalmitis following PPV is rare. Operating with smaller gauge port sizes does not increase the risk of endophthalmitis.

This study helps surgeons promptly identify cases of endophthalmitis following vitrectomy and informs them about the various management options currently used and the likely outcome of this devastating complication.

Introduction To establish the level of confidence amongst UK ophthalmology specialist registrars (residents) in managing posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. Methods An online nine-item questionnaire was distributed to all registrars, recruited nationwide via regional representatives. Data collected included stage of training, number of completed cataract operations, cumulative PCR rate, number of PCRs independently managed, understanding of vitrectomy settings and fluidic parameters and access to simulation. Respondents self-evaluated their confidence in managing PCR with vitreous loss. Results Complete responses were obtained from 248 registrars (35% response rate). Mean number of phacoemulsification procedures performed was 386. For senior registrars (OST 6–7), 35 out of 70 (50%) felt confident to manage PCR independently and 55 out of 70 (78.6%) were either quite confident or very confident at deciding when to implant an intraocular lens during PCR management. Lower confidence levels were noted for junior trainees (OST 1–2). Over 65% of survey respondents had access to relevant simulation. Conclusions Our results represent the largest UK survey analysing the confidence of PCR management amongst registrars. Confidence improves with duration of training and increased exposure to management of PCR. However, 50% of senior registrars still lacked confidence to independently manage PCR and vitreous loss. A specific competency-based framework, potentially using a simulator or simulating a PCR event, incorporated into the curriculum may be desirable.

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