Evaluation of results of enucleations with orbital implant in children and adolescents

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 and 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.