A Systematic Review Article on Orbital Exenteration: Indication, Complications and Reconstruction Methods

Orbital Exenteration is a major surgical procedure that consists of the removal of the orbital bone, orbital fat, eyeball, and its contents including extraocular muscles. It is an extensive and morbid surgical procedure. Our aim is to systematically review the indications, complications and reconstruction methods utilised for orbital exenteration. An objective electronic database search was conducted in PUBMED Central, MeSH, NLM Catalog, Bookshelf, and PUBMED published in 20 years period from 1999 till 2019. A total of 29 articles were shortlisted for the present review. Most of the studies have eyelid and canthus as most common primary site of malignancy leading to orbital exenteration. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma being most common pathology. Other intraocular pathology was Retinoblastoma and melanoma. There were various reconstruction methods used by different authors and Sino-orbital fistula was most commonly occurring in majority of studies. Inspite of being a morbid surgery, Orbital Exenteration had acceptable survival and good quality of life. The aggressive pathology that requires orbital exenteration worldwide is mostly periorbital skin, sinus, and intraocular malignancies. The morbidity of the procedure is high with many surgical complications. However, in properly selected patients it can give better outcomes and survival.