Pediatric Enucleation, Evisceration, and Exenteration Techniques

The loss of an eye is certainly a devastating situation. Reconstruction of the socket in the pediatric age group is extremely important, not only for the immediate appearance and psychological benefit of the child and the parents but also for the long-term growth and health of the orbit in younger children. The presence of an eye is necessary for normal orbital growth. With the loss of an eye, as in severe microphthalmia or anophthalmos, orbital growth may arrest. If this occurs, the entire growth of the face is affected and significant deformities can result. A great deal has been written on how to reconstruct and augment the soft tissue of the pediatric socket. This chapter discusses and summarizes techniques that have demonstrated good results in the collective experience of the oculoplastic contributors to this text.