Purpose:
We utilized the database at Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, MN to help determine the infection rate in outpatient eyelid surgery patients.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the reported infections of all eyelid surgeries performed between 1/1/99 and 12/31/04 at the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, MN utilized by surgeons from private practice and an academic center. Each quarter, every surgeon is sent a list of their patients and surgical procedures. The surgeon is asked to indicate if any patients required treatment for an infection following their procedure.
Results:
A total of 2227 patients underwent oculoplastic procedures at the Phillips Eye Institute from 1/1/99 and 12/31/04. There was one (1) reported infection (0.04%).
Conclusions:
The infection rate in outpatient eyelid surgery is extremely low.
Keywords: eyelid • antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics