Purpose

The aim of the research is the assessment of results of enucleation with orbital implant in children.

Material and methods

Examinations included the group of 99 children between 6 months and 19 years of age. The examined group consisted of 39 boys (39.4%) and 60 girls (60.6%). 96 eyes were removed because of non-regressive retinoblastoma (despite applied treatment), two eyes with buphtalmus (with no light perception), as a result of glaucoma, and one case of medulloepithelioma. The applied implants were: Castroviejo – in 28 patients, Medpor – in 24 patients, Hydroxyapatite – 46 patients. In one patient was applied Baush&Lomb orbital implant.

Results

In 91 patients (91.9%) no significant complications occurred. In 2 patients (2%), the hemorrhage occurred during the surgery. Postoperative complications included: in 6 patients (6.1%) exposition of orbital implant was observed; in one patient the exposition was enlarging which led to removal of the implant; in 2 patients with implant exposition (2%) inflammatory granuloma occurred on the edge of the exposition. In one patient (1%) cyst of conjunctiva in the postoperative scar area occurred 3 months after operation.

Conclusions

Enucleation with orbital implant enables normal development of the orbit and improves cosmetic effect. The frequency of complications depends on type of applied orbital implant.