Detection of Bacterial Growth in Peroperative Aqueous Humour Samples in Phacoemulsification Surgery with Reusable Versus Disposable Irrigation  Aspiration Tubing System

Objective: To detect the bacterial growth in per-operative aqueous samples during phacoemulsification surgery with reusable versus disposable irrigation aspiration tubing system. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of study: Eye Department, Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar Pakistan, from Jan 2023-Apr 2024. Methodology: It was a prospective quasi-experimental study. Total of 274 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups, 137 in disposable group and 137 in autoclavable group. Pre-operative conjunctival sac sampling via a swab was done in all the patients and was sent for culture for bacterial growth. All patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification surgery with standard preoperative cleaning and preparation of eye with 5% pyodine solution. Aqueous humor samples were taken for culture and sensitivity before intracameral injection of antibiotics. Results: Initially 300 patients were selected and 26 were excluded based on strict inclusion & exclusion criteria. Out of 274 included patients, none of the aqueous humor samples in both groups showed any bacterial growth after the specified time. One (0.70%) patient in group A yielded bacterial growth on pre-operative conjunctival sac sampling while 3 (2.10%) patients in group B yielded growth on pre-operative conjunctival sac sampling. Conclusion: Both reusable and disposable irrigation aspiration systems are equally effective in terms of their safety for bacterial growth.