Vitreous replacement by gas as a therapeutic modality in bacterial endophthalmitis.

We investigated vitreous replacement by long-lasting gas in the management of severe Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis in 19 rabbits randomized for vitrectomy (9 animals) and for vitrectomy followed by replacement of the vitreous by a 20% perfluoropropane-80% air mixture (10 animals). Both groups received systemic antibiotics and achieved comparable intraocular antibiotic levels. Clinically and histopathologically, gas-filled eyes demonstrated less inflammation than did eyes without gas (P less than 0.01). Replacement of vitreous by gas offers an effective adjunct to vitrectomy by eliminating a culture medium, preventing vitreous abscess formation, enabling fundus visualization, and delaying the onset of retinal detachment.