Abstract
Purpose :
The use of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of orbital fractures is controversial. While there are published studies investigating practice patterns among general plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons, to our knowledge there are no published data concerning practice patterns of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive (OPR) surgeons on this topic. The purpose of the current study is to investigate practice patterns among academic OPR surgeons regarding prophylactic antibiotic administration in the management of orbital fractures.
Methods :
An anonymous web-based survey was constructed on http://www.surveymonkey.com. Email addresses were solicited from each program coordinator and program director of ACGME accredited ophthalmology programs of current oculoplastic attending surgeons in their program. An email invitation was sent to each contact provided by the coordinator and director.
Statistical Methods to follow. However, statistical significance will be set as p<0.05. All variables will be summarized by the following prior to analysis: means, medians, with standard deviations or frequencies/percentages.
Results :
31% of confirmed survey recipients participated at the time of preliminary data compilation in this ongoing survey. Approximately 64% of respondents operate on over thirty orbital fracture cases/year. 45% of respondents are primary surgeons in orbital fracture cases in over 25% of orbital fracture cases in their practice. A greater proportion of surgeons suggest prophylactic antibiotics when surgical repair is required (27% of non-surgical vs 64% of surgical cases). Many OPR surgeons (72%) recommend amoxicillin/sulbactam when utilizing prophylactic antibiotics. Concurrent sinusitis prompts utilization of prophylactic antibiotics more than other scenarios (55%) with presence of foreign body, open fracture, and need for surgical repair commonly selected. There was no preferential use of prophylaxis based on location of fracture.
Conclusions :
OPR specialists play a large role in the surgical management of orbital fractures. Utilization of prophylactic antibiotics in orbital fracture management is variable amongst experts. Presence of concurrent sinusitis and the need for surgical repair were the most important factors in decision to use prophylaxis.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.