Orbital exenteration: surgical and reconstructive strategies

Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects with Cross-median Forehead Flaps

The aim of this study was to examine the role of forehead flaps in the reconstruction of orbital defects after exenteration. Patients undergoing orbital exenteration and reconstruction using median forehead flaps from January 2002 to August 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All the patients were evaluated for wound complications, functional results, and tumor relapse. In total, 105 patients completed the study. Twenty-nine complications in 24 of these patients were assessed. The most common complications were wound dehiscence (11%), partial necrosis of the flap (6%), and bleeding (4%). A major complication occurred in two patients (2%), necessitating surgical correction. Only one patient had a local relapse. Sixty patients received osseointegrated implants, and 58 of them were treated with facial prostheses. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 189 months. Thus, forehead flap reconstruction after exenteration is a reliable method with a low complication rate. This technique can be used for primary or secondary reconstruction, and excellent long-term functional results can be achieved. A relapse-oriented follow-up is certainly possible.

Clinicodemographic profile of orbital exenteration in a tertiary eye care center - A 20-year experience

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the clinical indications for orbital exenteration, demographic profile of these patients, and clinicopathologic correlations in the current times and to compare these results with previous published data.

METHODS

It was a retrospective study. All exenterations performed at a tertiary eye care center over a period of 20 years (from January 2001 to June 2020) were retrospectively evaluated. Patient records were reviewed to obtain demographic data, presenting symptoms and their duration, laterality, and clinical and histopathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 352 cases (males:females = 222:130) who underwent exenteration were identified. Patients age ranged from 11 months to 87 years (mean: 43.86 years, median: 50 years). The most common indication for exenteration was found to be eyelid malignancy in 54.36%, followed by retinoblastoma in 18.75% and primary orbital tumors in 14.49%. Out of 156 cases of eyelid malignancies requiring exenteration, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common histologic subtype ( n = 94, 60.26%), followed by sebaceous gland carcinoma ( n = 40, 25.64%) and basal cell carcinoma ( n = 20, 12.82%). The most common primary orbital tumors requiring exenteration were adenocystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in adults and rhabdomyosarcoma in the pediatric age group. Benign conditions requiring exenteration included fulminant fungal orbital infections and lymphangioma among others.

CONCLUSION

The number of exenterations performed have significantly increased in terms of absolute numbers. However, the ratio of exenteration to other tumor-related surgeries, mainly excision biopsy, has reduced compared to that reported from a previous study. The most common indication in our study remains eyelid malignancy followed by intraocular malignancy. However, SCC has emerged as the most common tumor histologic subtype requiring exenterations.

Advanced Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma with Orbital Invasion: Update on Management and Treatment Advances

Purpose

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent malignant periocular tumor. It is associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and its incidence is gradually increasing. It may occasionally display more aggressive behavior and result in orbital or intracranial invasion. Mortality from periocular BBC with orbital invasion is very low, but the associated morbidity can be significant, from disfigurement to blindness. Traditionally, these cases have been treated with orbital exenteration or with radiotherapy (RT), but in recent years, hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HPIs) have emerged, are effective in more serious cases, and are used primarily or combined with surgery, changing our perspective on the management of these patients.

Methods

We studied 24 cases of periocular BCC with orbital invasion, some primary and others recurrent, which were treated between 2011 and 2021 in the same hospital. All patients had clinical or radiological evidence of orbital invasion. Orbital exenteration was performed on 9/24 of the patients (1 received vismodegib after surgery), and 12/24 were treated, surgically preserving the eyeball, with 3 of them receiving adjuvant vismodegib. Three of the twenty-four patients were treated exclusively with vismodegib (Erivedge®, Genentech).

Results

One patient died due to poor tumor evolution, but the rest evolved favorably and they have had no recurrences. Vismodegib was generally well tolerated, except for in one patient who discontinued treatment due to the side effects.

Conclusions

In advanced BBC with orbital invasion, mutilating surgical treatments such as exenteration or potentially vision-threatening treatments such as RT remain as options. In recent years, however, very promising new medical therapies have emerged, such as HPI, which can be used effectively instead of surgery or in combination with it, preserving the eye and vision, which implies a new approach to treatment.

Reconstruction of the Exenterated Orbit with an Island Pericranial Flap: A New Surgical Approach

Reconstruction of the bony socket after orbital exenteration is a matter of much debate. Prompt defect closure with a microvascular flap is desirable but involves a major surgical procedure and hence, places considerable burden on the patient. The new surgical technique presented here permits a technically simpler wound closure with fewer complications after orbital exenteration.

Methods

Between May 2014 and June 2022 in the ENT department of Regensburg University, nine patients underwent exenteration and reconstruction with a pericranial flap. The flap was raised via a broken line incision in the forehead or endoscopically, incised in a roughly croissant-like shape, then introduced into the orbit through a tunnel in the eyebrow. A retrospective analysis of the patients and considerations about determining the size, shape, and vascular supply of the flap are presented.

Results

Flap healing was uncomplicated in all cases. Only 6 weeks after surgery, the flap was stable, making it possible to start adjuvant therapy and prosthetic rehabilitation swiftly. The flap is adapted to the near cone-shape of the orbit. The mean (± standard deviation) surface area of the measured orbits is (39.58 ± 3.32) cm². The territory of the angular artery provides the periosteal flap arterial blood supply. Venous drainage is via venous networks surrounding the artery.

Conclusions

Use of the pericranial flap makes it possible to close the orbital cavity promptly with minimal donor site defect and a short operating time, thereby minimizing the surgical risk and speeding up physical and psychological recovery.

Clinical Outcomes of Orbital Exenteration in Korean Patients with Orbital Malignancies

Purpose: We report the clinical outcomes of Korean patients who were diagnosed with orbital malignancies and underwent orbital exenteration.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the tumor origins, histopathological diagnoses, local/regional recurrences, distant metastases, surgical margin clearances, overall and event-free survivals, and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy statuses of 14 patients who underwent orbital exenteration in our center from February 2009 to March 2020.Results: We enrolled seven men and seven women of mean age at the time of exenteration of 68 years (range, 37 to 80 years). The mean follow-up period was 44.6 months (range, 10 to 133 months). Most tumors had arisen in the eyelid (seven cases, 50.0%). The most common pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma (five cases, 35.7%). We observed no local or regional recurrence after exenteration, but distant metastases developed in seven cases, of which four were malignant melanomas (80% of all melanomas). Positive surgical margins were observed in six cases (42.9%). The distant metastasis rate was 42.9%; the overall survival rate was 60%. The 1-year overall survival rate was 100%, the 2-year survival rate was 81.8%, and the 5-year survival rate was 56.1%. The 1-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 100%, the 2-year EFS rate was 72.7%, and the 5-year EFS rate was 49.9%. Nine patients received adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy and six patients received combined chemoradiation.Conclusions: Patients underwent orbital exenteration to treat orbital malignancies and received postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation exhibited differences in clinical outcomes and survival rates depending on the tumor type.

Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defect With Cheek or Combined Cheek and Forehead Advancement Flaps

PURPOSE

To review the outcomes of orbital exenteration defect reconstruction using cheek or combined cheek-forehead advancement flap.

METHODS

Charts of 14 patients who underwent reconstruction of the exenterated orbit with cheek advancement flap were reviewed. In surgery, a cheek flap elevated via a nasofacial sulcus incision, and preperiosteal dissection was advanced over the defect. The upper orbital defect, if necessary, was covered with a forehead flap, which was dissected through an incision in the midline or temporal forehead and advanced inferiorly.

RESULTS

In all patients (7 women, 7 men; mean age, 65 years), total (n = 7) or extended (n = 7) exenteration was performed for a malignant tumor. In 12 patients (86%), the defect was primarily closed with cheek flap alone (n = 6) or cheek plus forehead (n = 6) advancement flaps. Eight patients received radiotherapy before and after surgery. Four patients (29%) had a total of 6 postoperative complications (skin graft infection, orbital cavitary abscess, osteomyelitis, chronic skin ulcer, and 2 sino-orbital fistulae). The mean follow-up duration was 43 months (range, 11-79 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Cheek advancement flap can be used alone or together with a forehead advancement flap to cover the orbital defects after total or extended exenteration. This repair may be resistant to radiotherapy-related complications in some cases.

Outcomes of orbital exenteration for craniofacial lesions

BACKGROUND

Orbital exenteration (OE) is an ablative procedure used in the management of malignancies of the orbit of either primary or secondary origin. Publications evaluating this procedure have suffered from small patient numbers, heterogeneity of pathologies, and poor patient follow-up. The purpose of this study was to assess patient outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing OE at a tertiary cancer center.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 180 consecutive patients who underwent OE at the authors' institution. Overall survival (OS) was the primary end point measured in the study. Time to locoregional recurrence (progression-free survival [PFS]) and disease-free survival were secondary end points.

RESULTS

Between the years 1993 and 2011, 180 consecutive patients received OE for craniofacial malignancy at the authors' institution. The median follow-up for the cohort was 9.7 years (116 months). The median OS was 73 months, and the median PFS was 96 months. The presence of perineural invasion was associated with shorter OS (P = .01) and PFS (P < .01). Magnetic resonance imaging was predictive of perineural invasion (P < .01). Positive margins were associated with shorter PFS than negative margins (P < .01) but with no change in OS (P = .15). The overall complication rate was 15%. The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo 3b or greater) was 2.8% (n = 5), and there was 1 death observed (0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Used judiciously in the setting of a multidisciplinary management plan, OE for tumor control is a safe therapy.

LAY SUMMARY

Between the years 1993 and 2011, 180 consecutive patients received orbital exenteration for craniofacial malignancy at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The median follow-up for the cohort was 9.7 years. The presence of perineural invasion was associated with shorter overall survival (P = .01) and progression-free survival (P < .01). Magnetic resonance imaging was predictive of perineural invasion (P < .01). Positive margins were associated with shorter progression-free survival than negative margins (P < .01). The overall complication rate was 15%. The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo 3b or greater) was 2.8% (n = 5).

Efficacy and safety of an artificial dermal graft for the reconstruction of exenterated sockets: a preliminary report

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to report our experience with the use of artificial dermis grafts for orbital socket reconstruction following orbital exenteration (OE).

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted in our ocular oncology centre from May 2018 to June 2020 in patients undergoing OE for orbital malignancies in whom an artificial dermis device (Integra® template, 2 layers) was used for reconstruction. Data recorded included demographics, previous and adjuvant treatments, aetiologies, surgical procedure, surgical reconstruction, complications and follow-up. The main outcome measure was the time between OE and the full granulation of the cavity.

RESULTS

Ten patients (mean age, 71.3 years [43-92]) were included. Tumours originated from the conjunctiva (n = 5, 50%), eyelid (n = 3, 30%) and orbit (n = 2, 20%). Nine patients underwent total OE, and one required enlarged OE. Orbital reconstruction was performed using an artificial dermis alone (n = 9, 90%) or combined with regional flaps (n = 1, 10%). The mean granulation time was 3.3 weeks (2-4). Three (30%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy 1 month post-surgery. The mean time to spontaneous epithelialization was 9.4 weeks (6-12). Preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy was not associated with a delayed epithelialization of the socket (p = 0.463 and p = 0.236, respectively). One (10%) and 2 (20%) patients experienced postoperative socket infection and an ethmoidal fistula, respectively. The mean follow-up was 11.6 months (6-16).

CONCLUSION

Using artificial dermis grafts alone or with regional flaps appears to be a viable surgical procedure for orbital socket reconstruction. They reduce surgical morbidity and hospital stay. Preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy does not seem to delay socket healing.

Use of Meshed Acellular Dermal Allograft as a Lining Material After Orbital Exenteration

PURPOSE

To evaluate the surgical outcome and safety of acellular human dermal allograft as a new lining material to the exposed orbit after exenteration.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of patients who underwent orbital exenteration followed by reconstruction with meshed-type acellular dermal allograft from 2009 to 2018 in a single tertiary institution.

RESULTS

There were 14 eyes (2 right, 12 left) of 14 patients (6 men, 8 women). Mean age at operation was 69.1 ± 16.5 years. Indication for surgery was malignancy in all patients. One patient underwent subtotal exenteration, while the rest underwent total exenteration. SureDerm Meshed was used in 12 patients, AlloDerm Meshed in 1, and CGDerm Meshed in 1. Mean follow-up period was 12.1 months. Full or nearly full epithelialization occurred in 10 of 14 patients (71.4%) at 1 month and 9 of 12 patients (75.0%) at 3 months. There was delayed epithelialization in 3 patients due to poor wound care (n = 1), adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 1), and adjuvant radiotherapy followed by cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Meshed acellular human dermal allograft showed good success in reconstruction after orbital exenteration and may be considered as an alternative lining material to split-thickness skin graft after orbital exenteration.

Orbital exenteration: an updated review with perspectives

Orbital exenteration is a radical and disfiguring surgery mainly performed in specialized tertiary care centers. Orbital exenteration has long been considered the treatment of choice for managing periocular tumors invading the orbit or primary orbital malignancies. Over the past decades, attention has been directed toward reducing the perioperative morbidity by developing new surgical devices and new strategies and promoting cosmetic rehabilitation by providing adequate facial prostheses. Despite these advances, several studies have questioned the role of orbital exenteration in improving overall survival. The last decade has been marked by the emergence of a new paradigm: the "eye-sparing" strategies based on conservative surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and/or targeted therapies and immunotherapies. We summarize the data on orbital exenteration, including epidemiology, etiologies, use of surgical ablative and reconstructive techniques, complications, outcomes, and the related controversies.

Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects with Cheek Rotation Flaps: Indications, Technique, Complications, Rehabilitation, and Survival

The objective of this study was to examine the role of cheek rotation flaps in the reconstruction of orbital defects after exenteration. From January 2000 to August 2018, patients undergoing orbital exenteration and reconstruction with cheek rotation flaps were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were evaluated for wound complications, orbital rehabilitation, tumor relapse, and survival. Thirty patients completed the study. Fourteen complications allocated to 11 patients were assessed. The most common complications were seroma (13%), temporary facial nerve weakness (13%), and partial necrosis of the flap (10%). A major complication occurred in a total of two patients (7%), so that surgical correction was necessary. Eleven patients had a relapse; 15 patients died as part of the follow-up. Fifteen patients were treated with facial prostheses. The overall survival rate was 61% after 1 year and 42% after 5 years. Follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 95 months. Cheek rotation flap reconstruction after exenteration is a reliable method with a low rate of major complications. It is indicated when an approach to the parotid gland or the neck region is necessary because of suspected lymph node metastasis and in elderly patients because of their skin's laxity. It can be performed as primary or secondary reconstruction. Good esthetic results can be achieved, especially after endosseous implantation.

Modified types of orbital exenteration, survival, and reconstruction

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyse the various modifications of orbital exenteration.

METHODS

Patients undergoing orbital exenteration from March 1978 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were evaluated on the basis of the indication, type of exenteration, reconstruction technique, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

In total, 300 patients were enrolled in this study. As many as 24 patients had lid and conjunctiva sparing anterior exenteration, 16 had lid sparing anterior exenteration, 83 had anterior exenteration, 14 had lid and conjunctiva sparing total exenteration, seven had lid sparing total exenteration, 44 had total exenteration, one had lid and conjunctiva sparing extended exenteration, 23 had lid sparing extended exenteration, and 88 had extended exenteration. As many as 39 patients had a primary wound closure. Six patients underwent reconstruction with a split-thickness skin graft, 177 patients with a local or regional flap, and 40 patients with a microvascular flap. A total of 38 patients did not undergo reconstruction. The mean follow-up was 40 months (range 6-216 months). The OS rate was 82.2% after 1 year, 58.5% after 5 years, and 49% after 10 years for all patients with malignant tumours. The DFS rate was 67.7% after 1 year, 45.6% after 5 years, and 31.7% after 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Individual types of orbital exenteration allow patient-adapted therapies. The preservation of uninvolved orbital tissue facilitates orbital reconstruction. The type of exenteration did not have any influence on overall survival.

Orbital exenteration and reconstruction in a tertiary UK institution: a 5-year experience

PURPOSE

Orbital exenteration is a radical oncological surgery that is usually indicated for advanced primary orbital tumors or invasion from local malignancy. We report a 5-year series from a tertiary head and neck center with particular focus on our ablative and reconstructive approach.

METHODS

We performed a clinicopathological review of patients referred to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Head and Neck multidisciplinary team for management input of an orbital malignancy during the period of 2013 to 2018. Cases involving local invasion from sinonasal malignancy were excluded. The reconstructive approach, perioperative complications, disease-free and overall survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

27 patients were identified and of those treated surgically, a radical extended orbital exenteration was required in almost half (44.4%), with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common pathology (55.6%). A concurrent neck dissection and parotidectomy were commonly performed with confirmed or suspected regional disease, or in the presence of high-risk pathological features. This approach resulted in favourable 2-year overall survival in these advanced stage cases of 84.6% and disease-free survival of 73.2%, with 92% achieving a negative surgical margin. The majority of treated patients required a free flap reconstruction, especially when an extended exenteration defect or adjuvant treatment was anticipated. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most commonly used donor site, and we present our algorithm for reconstruction of these defects.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary approach to advanced orbital malignancy with a comprehensive approach to surgical resection and reconstruction results in favorable oncological outcomes and addresses functional and cosmetic patient rehabilitation.

Orbital exenteration: Symptoms, indications, tumour localizations, pathologies, reconstruction, complications and survival

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate malignant and benign diseases that lead to orbital exenteration.

PATIENTS

From December 1999 to September 2017, patients undergoing orbital exenteration were included in this retrospective study. All of them were evaluated on clinical symptoms, indications, tumour localizations, pathologies, reconstruction techniques, complications, recurrences, and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 205 patients enrolled in this study, 94 had a carcinoma, 73 melanoma, 9 a sarcoma, 14 some other malignant disease, and 15 a benign medical condition. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction using a local eyelid skin flap (7.8%), 6 with a split-thickness graft (2.9%), 144 with a local flap (70.2%), and 25 with a microvascular graft (12.2%), whereas 14 patients did not undergo reconstruction (6.8%). The most common complications were wound dehiscences (25 cases), pain (17 cases), and partial flap necroses (13 cases). Moreover, 62% of the patients were treated with different facial prostheses or artificial eyes. Given these results, it appears that lymph nodes and distant metastases, as well as lymphatic invasion into vessels, perineural invasion, and non-cleared resection margins, seem to affect overall survival after orbital exenteration.

CONCLUSION

Different reconstruction techniques can be used to provide the patient with maximum functionality and aesthetics after orbital exenteration. Individual concepts should be discussed at the beginning of the treatment. Using primary reconstruction and providing osseointegrated implant-retained prostheses remain the gold standard.

Orbital exenteration and conjunctival melanoma: a 14-year study at the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital

Purpose

To report our 14-year experience with orbital exenteration and assess risk factors for poor prognosis by focusing on conjunctival melanoma.

Patients and method

A retrospective study was conducted in our tertiary care centre (Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland) between 2003 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients aged  ≥18 years with a follow-up >12 months, without metastatic spread at the time of surgery. Data recorded were age, gender, tumour histology, surgical technique, postoperative complications, surgical margin status, local recurrence, postoperative radiation beam therapy and metastatic status.

Results

Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 63.2 years (38–92) were included. Conjunctival melanoma was the most frequently identified tumour (n = 14, 56%) followed by conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4, 16%), sebaceous carcinoma (n = 3, 12%), choroidal melanoma (n = 2, 8%) and basal cell carcinoma (n = 2, 8%). Eighteen tumours (72%) originated from the conjunctival tissue. Clear surgical margins were achieved in 21 (84%) patients. Fourteen (56%) patients experienced distant metastases and died from metastatic spread after a mean follow-up of 52.3 months (6–120). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 96%, 72% and 60%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, positive surgical margins, local recurrence and metachronous metastases were associated with a decreased OS (p = 0.002, p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, positive surgical margins and metachronous metastases were also associated with a decreased OS (p = 0.02 and p = 0.042, respectively). Conjunctival melanoma was not associated with a poorer prognosis (p = 0.280).

Conclusion

Free surgical margins are needed to increase OS. To achieve clearer surgical margins, neoadjuvant targeted therapies/immunotherapies may be considered.

Orbital Exenteration: A 23-year Report

PURPOSE

Orbital exenteration is a psychologically and anatomically disfiguring procedure which indicated in some patients with malignant or progressive diseases of orbital and periorbital area. In this study, we reviewed 176 patients that underwent orbital exenteration.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of medical records from all patients who underwent orbital exenteration from March 1991 to March 2014 in oculoplastic department at an eye care center. Demographic data, diagnosis, site of primary involvement and technique of surgery were determined in patients.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six cases of orbital exenteration were included that had documented histopathology. The age of patients ranged from 1 to 91 years (mean age ± standard deviation, 55.43 ± 27 years). Ninety-seven (55.11%) males and 79 (44.88%) females were included. Fifteen different tumors were identified. The most common indication was patients with basal cell carcinoma 49 (28%) followed by 41 (23.5%) squamous cell carcinomas, 35 (20%) retinoblastoma, and 13 (7%) adenoid cystic carcinomas. In total, adnexal malignancies were the most common tumors, secondarily involving the orbit. Eyelids 89 (50.5%) and the globe 43 (24%) were the most frequent site of involvement. Three types of exenteration were performed, based on available data of 129 operation sheets, 46 (35.7%) subtotal, 62 (48.1%) total, and 21 (16.3%) cases of extensive exenterations. In total 97 cases were evaluated pathologically for perineural involvement, of which perineural invasion was noted in 9 (7%) reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of exenteration in our center has increased in past 3 years and the majority of cases were eyelid basal cell carcinoma. Patient education considering periocular lesions can help in earlier diagnosis of malignant lesions and therefore reducing the number of exenteration.

Orbital invasion routes of non-melanoma skin cancers and survival outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Overall non-melanoma head and neck skin cancer has a good prognosis; however, rarely patients have an aggressive variant which results in orbital invasion via perineural spread or direct extension. Despite these consequences, there are limited published studies defining this clinical entity. The main objectives of the current study are to describe orbital invasion patterns of non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers and their impact on survival.

METHODS

Retrospective case series from a tertiary-care, academic institution performed between 2004 and 2014. Demographic and tumour characteristics are reported as well as patterns of orbital invasion, types of treatments received, and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 17 consecutive patients with non-melanoma skin cancer and orbital invasion who met inclusion criteria. Average age at orbital invasion diagnosis was 70.8 years old. 76% were male. Mean follow-up time was 28.5 months. Of these patients, 71% had squamous cell carcinoma and 29% had basal cell carcinoma. Brow (41%) was the most common primary sub-site followed by cheek (23%) and temple (12%). 76% of patients had a history of prior treatment. The lateral orbital wall (41%) was the most common site of invasion, followed by the medial orbital wall (29%) and antero-superior invasion (23%). Age, histology, and location of orbital invasion were associated with disease-specific and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Orbital invasion for non-melanoma head and neck skin cancers creates a treatment dilemma and the patterns of invasion are described. In addition, the location of orbital invasion is associated with survival outcomes.

Factors related to survival outcomes following orbital exenteration: a retrospective, comparative, case series

BACKGROUND

Orbital exenteration is a disfiguring procedure that aims to achieve local control. It is commonly a part of the management of malignant orbital tumor which is a life-threatening condition. It is necessary to determine predictive factors associated with overall survival (OS) following orbital exenteration.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, comparative, case series of 39 patients with malignant tumors who underwent orbital exenteration. Patient records were reviewed for age, clinical presentation, preoperative visual acuity (VA), tumor size, surgical margin, tumor invasiveness, recurrent disease, and status of distant metastasis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess OS and event-free survival (EFS). The predictive factors related to OS were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62.9 years (range, 5.5 to 89.7 years), 68.4% presented with VA < 20/400. The mean size of all tumors was 32 ± 18 mm. Distant metastasis at diagnosis was reported in 11 patients (28.2%). Twenty-two patients died during follow-up. The median OS and EFS were 3.89 years and 3.01 years, respectively. The predictive factors for worse OS on multivariate analysis were preoperative VA < 20/400 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.67, P = 0.003), tumor size larger than 20 mm (aHR 3.14, P = 0.022,) and positive distant metastasis at diagnosis (aHR 15.31, P <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic factors for poor survival outcome following orbital exenteration were a preoperative VA < 20/400, tumor size > 20 mm, and distant metastasis at diagnosis mostly due to patient negligence.

Use of bilayer matrix wound dressing in the exenterated socket

To describe the novel use of a bilayer dermal substitute to reconstruct exenterated orbits. A retrospective chart review was performed in the practices of two surgeons (RET and PDL) of all patients who had undergone orbital exenteration between April 2014 and June 2016 and whose subsequent reconstruction included lining the socket with Integra bilayer. Patient demographics, pathologic diagnoses, surgical and post-operative complications, graft integrity, and patient acceptance were recorded. The charts of 7 patients (4 men and 3 women, ages 60-87 years) were reviewed. In all cases, the Integra graft had taken well to the socket bed at the time of silicone removal 3-4 weeks after surgery. Epithelialization of the socket occurred rapidly over the Integra graft (within several weeks) without incident in each case and with minimal postoperative management. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Integra dermal substitute is an ideal graft for the lining of an exenterated orbit. It is readily available in large quantities, handles easily, lines the socket smoothly, epithelializes rapidly, and requires minimal postoperative care. It offers minimal morbidity compared to skin grafting or free flap reconstruction, but greatly speeds epithelialization compared to laissez faire management. Surgeons should consider reconstructing exenterated orbits with the Integra matrix, both for its ease of use and its ability to epithelialize rapidly.

Multicentred international review of orbital exenteration and reconstruction in oculoplastic and orbit practice

Background

Orbital exenteration is a disfiguring procedure reserved for life-threatening malignancies. This study examines the clinical course and outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent orbital exenteration for malignant periocular neoplasms.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent orbital exenteration from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2015 at four tertiary referral centres in the USA, Australia and Canada. Demographics, indication for surgery, pathology, surgical technique, reconstruction type and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Orbital exenteration was performed on 102 patients. The mean age at surgery was 67.5 years. The most common malignant tumours encountered were squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Seventy-six patients (75%) underwent reconstruction with a local myocutaneous flap, twelve with partial-thickness skin grafts (PTSG), or split skin graft, two had a free flap, and one had a dermis fat graft. Sixteen patients had combined procedures of two of the above. Complete removal of the tumour was achieved with clear margins in 81 cases. Of all patients, 72% were alive at 48 months or more.

Conclusion

The majority of orbital exenterations performed in this series were secondary to periocular malignancies with unsuccessful/insufficient previous treatments. Regional myocutaneous flaps, PTSG, full-thickness skin grafts and dermis fat grafts were all highly effective and durable reconstructive options, and were able to withstand radiation therapy without complications.

Single-stage socket reconstruction with vascularised temporalis muscle flap following total orbital exenteration: Description of 3 surgical approaches

We describe the techniques and outcome of three different approaches to transfer the posterior 2/3^rd temporalis muscle pedicle flap for orbital socket reconstruction following total orbital exenteration. A retrospective interventional series of 9 patients operated between February of 2000 and 2006. We describe three different techniques, namely supraorbital, transorbital and transorbitectomy approach. All patients were followed for minimum of 3 years and muscle trophism with periorbital contour was clinically studied for outcome. There were 6 males and 3 females with a mean age of 42 years. Three patients each underwent the three mentioned approaches of socket reconstruction following total orbital exenteration performed mainly for oculo-adenexal malignancies with orbital extension (77.78%). Intraoperative, tumor-free histopathological margins were ensured. Postoperatively, bulky lateral orbital rim was noticed in all 3 patients of supraorbital approach, while progressive temporalis flap atrophy was noticed in all with transorbital approach over a period of 6 months. No such complications were observed in transorbitectomy approach and reasonably good periorbital cosmetic appearance with optimum preservation of muscle trophism was obtained. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. Temporalis muscle flap provides adequate orbital volume restoration in an exenterated socket. It also helps in better skin graft uptake, socket health and appearance. The transorbitectomy approach appeared as a reliable one stage surgical technique with reasonably acceptable anatomical and cosmetic outcome over a long-term follow-up. The choice of posterior portion of temporalis muscle as a flap offers satisfactory temporal fossa appearance.

Naso- or Orbitocutaneous Fistulas after Free Flap Reconstruction of Orbital Exenteration Defects: Retrospective Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

Objective  Naso- or orbitocutaneous fistula (NOF) is a challenging complication of orbital exenteration, and it often requires surgical repair. We sought to identify the incidence and risk factors for NOF after orbital exenteration. Study Design  Retrospective chart review, systematic review, meta-analysis. Setting  Tertiary care center. Participants  Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction following orbital exenteration. Records were reviewed for clinicopathologic data, operative details, and outcomes. Main Outcome Measures  Univariate analysis was used to assess risk factors for incidence of postoperative NOF. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for published reports on NOF after orbital exenteration. Rates of fistula and odds ratios for predictive factors were compared in a meta-analysis. Results  Total 7 of 77 patients (9.1%) developed NOF; fistula formation was associated with ethmoid sinus involvement ( p  < 0.05) and minor wound break down ( p  < 0.05). On meta-analysis, pooled rates of fistula formation were 5.8% for free flap patients and 12.5% for patients receiving no reconstruction. Conclusion  Immediate postoperative wound complications and medial orbital wall resection increased the risk for NOF. On review and meta-analysis, reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects decreased the risk for fistula formation, but published series did not demonstrate a significant decrease in risk with free flaps compared with other methods of reconstruction.

Orbital exenteration for advanced periorbital non-melanoma skin cancer: prognostic factors and survival

PurposeTo describe prognostic factors and survival outcomes in patients who underwent orbital exenteration for periocular non-melanoma cutaneous malignancies.MethodsThe authors performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all patients who underwent orbital exenteration for non-melanoma periocular cutaneous malignancies at a tertiary care hospital system over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, tumor, and treatment data were recorded. Survival outcomes included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Log-rank tests were used to test for difference in survival curves among various potential prognostic indicators, and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazards model.ResultsForty-nine patients with an average age of 70.3 years were followed with a median follow-up of 17.5 months. At 2 years the OS was 78% while the DFS was 61%. The mean DFS for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) were 52.6, 39.2 and 28.1 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only positive final surgical margin was predictive of worse outcome (P=0.002). Recurrences were most frequent in the first 2 years.ConclusionsDespite the relatively more aggressive nature of periocular malignancies that have invaded the orbit, orbital exenteration offers an overall 2-year DFS of ~60%. BCC had the greatest mean survival time, however this was not statistically significant. We found worse prognosis with positive final surgical margins and recommend a multidisciplinary surgical approach to achieve complete resection when indicated.

Survival following orbital exenteration at a tertiary brazilian hospital

Objective: to analyze the epidemiology, clinical features and survival rate of patients undergoing orbital exenteration (OE) in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods : we conducted a retrospective study of all patients undergoing OE at the Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP between January 2007 and December 2012. We collected data records related to gender, age, origin, length of stay, duration of the disease, other treatments related to the disease, number of procedures outside of the face related to the disease, follow-up and histological diagnosis. Results : we treated 37 patients in the study period. The average survival in one year was 70%, in two years, 66.1%, and 58.3% in three years. There was no significant difference in the one-year survival related to histological diagnosis (p=0.15), days of hospitalization (p=0.17), gender (p=0.43), origin (p=0.78), disease duration (p=0.27) or the number of operations for the tumor (p=0.31). Mortality was higher in elderly patients (p=0.02). The average years of life lost was 33.9 in patients under 60 years, 14.7 in patients in the 61-80 years range and 11.3 in patients over 80 years. Conclusion : the present series of cases is significant in terms of prevalence of orbital exenteration; on the other hand, it shows one of the lowest survival rates in the literature. This suggests an urgent need for improved health care conditions to prevent deforming, radical resections.

Orbital exenteration: our experience

INTRODUCTION

We reviewed our experience of the multidisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists, head and neck surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiologists and oncologists in the management of extensive tumors treated by orbital exenteration at the Humanitas Research Institute, Milan, Italy, over the past 10 years.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent orbital exenteration between March 2005 and August 2014 at the Humanitas Research Institute. The 10-year cohort of exenterated patients was identified through operating room notes using the clinical code set of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10).

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients were identified, including 19 (73.1%) males. The median age was 65.5 years (range 37-87). Eighteen (69.2%) patients had major skin cancers extending to the orbit. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: cohort 1 comprising patients with sinus or craniofacial cancers requiring orbital exenteration, and cohort 2 comprising patients with advanced periorbital skin cancers. The two cohorts were well matched for sex, age at surgery, degree of invasion, extension of surgical removal, necessity of adjuvant radiotherapy, reconstruction processes, and rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience patients never died of the primary lesion but because of the occurrence of other problems. So we encourage local surgical radicality.

Clinicopathological profile of orbital exenteration: 14 years of experience from a tertiary eye care center in South India

This study aims to describe the clinicopathological features and outcomes of patients who underwent orbital exenteration at a tertiary eye care center in south India. Retrospective chart reviews were performed on all patients undergoing orbital exenteration from January 1999 to December 2012. Parameters recorded include demographic data, clinical presentations, past medical or surgical interventions, exenteration notes, histopathological diagnosis, adjunctive treatment, follow-up examination findings, recurrences, complications, and their management. Orbital exenteration was performed on 119 orbits of 119 patients over a 14-year period. The mean age was 48.9 years (range 1-82 years). The indications were malignancies in 90.7 % (108/119), while 9.3 % (11/119) of cases were exenterated for non-malignant indications. Among the malignancies, the commonest tissue of origin was conjunctiva, noted in 45.4 % (49/108), followed by eyelids (25.9 %, 28/108), orbit (19.4 %, 21/108), and intraocular tissues (9.3 %, 10/108). The commonest malignancies noted in this series were an extensive ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) (44.4 %, 48/108) and sebaceous gland carcinoma of eyelids with an orbital involvement (18.5 %, 20/108). Extensive fungal granuloma (mucormycosis-4, aspergillosis-4) was the commonest (81.8 %, 9/11) indication among the non-malignant group. All complications were wound related, and none had a recurrence at a mean follow-up of 12.8 months. Extensive orbital involvement with OSSN and SGC were the commonest indications for exenteration. There is a need of creating awareness among general ophthalmologists in specific geographical regions regarding early diagnosis, standardized protocols of management, and appropriate referral.

Life expectancy following orbital exenteration

Orbital exenteration is a physically debilitating procedure that may be a necessity in the management of orbital malignancy. It requires a sensitive multidisciplinary approach, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Providing life expectancy information for patients during preoperative counselling is pertinent to informed consent and in addressing patients' expectations. A retrospective review from one tertiary care centre was undertaken for a cohort of patients who were exenterated for orbital malignancy between 1998 and 2010. The cases were identified using an International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10)-derived database and were analysed using Prism statistical software (V.5.04). Cause of death was ascertained by liaising with the general practitioner and the National Registrar Office for Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Southport, UK. In total, 41 men and 32 women were identified. Mean age was 72 years with 47 cases living and 26 deceased at the time of review. The overall 5-year survival rate in this study was 64%. Kaplan-Meier analysis for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) against non-BCC returned a p value of 0.0199, with an HR of 0.3927 (CI 0.1788 to 0.8626). Kaplan-Meier analysis for cleared against non-cleared margins returned a p value of 0.2890, with an HR of 0.6571(CI 0.3024 to 1.428). Our results represent the highest 5-year survival data to date. However, the overall prognosis for patients who undergo orbital exenteration for malignancy remains poor. We hypothesise that the causes are multi-factorial. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach to the care of these patients, involving head and neck teams, oncology and other appropriate specialties, to optimise outcomes for this vulnerable patient group.

Biomaterials for orbital implants and ocular prostheses: overview and future prospects

The removal of an eye is one of the most difficult and dramatic decisions that a surgeon must consider in case of severe trauma or life-threatening diseases to the patient. The philosophy behind the design of orbital implants has evolved significantly over the last 60 years, and the use of ever more appropriate biomaterials has successfully reduced the complication rate and improved the patient's clinical outcomes and satisfaction. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the main advances that have been made in the development of innovative biomaterials for orbital implants and ocular prostheses. Specifically, the advantages, limitations and performance of the existing devices are examined and critically compared, and the potential of new, smart and suitable biomaterials are described and discussed in detail to outline a forecast for future research directions.

Secondary reconstruction of severe contracted eye socket using modified ocular conformer-drainage tube system

Eye socket reconstruction has been previously reported; however, few reports address reconstruction in cases of socket contracture after graft failure. This is a retrospective observational case study of 42 patients who had previously undergone eye socket reconstruction after posttraumatic enucleation owing to severe thermal or chemical injury, and each of whom presented with a severe contracted eye socket. Patients underwent free skin grafts and the placement of a modified ocular conformer-drainage tube system. Eye sockets of adequate size were created in the 42 patients. Three patients presented with gradual extrusion of the eye prosthesis due to recurrent contraction of the inferior fornix after treatment. These patients agreed to further operative procedures 6 months after secondary reconstruction surgery, which resulted in mild upward tilting of the eye prosthesis without extrusion. The prosthetic eyes fit well in all of the secondary reconstructed sockets using this technique. Our studies suggest that the modified ocular conformer-drainage tube system can efficiently control infection after secondary reconstruction of the posttraumatic contracted socket and may result in less shrinkage of skin grafts.

Orbital exenteration: a 10-year experience of a general oncology hospital

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to review the 10-year experience with orbital exenteration, determining the indications, clinical features of patients and the factors that cause the need for exenteration.

METHODS

The records of patients that underwent exenteration between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The age, sex, the location of tumour, the duration of symptoms, histopathological diagnosis, and previous recurrences were noted.

RESULTS

Orbital exenteration was performed on 68 patients. Bone resection in 6 and sinusectomy in 13 patients was combined with exenteration. The major indication was secondary orbital tumours accounting for 95.6% of the series and the eyelid and conjunctival tumours were the most frequent. Seven different types of histopathology were encountered: squamous cell carcinoma (31 cases), basal cell carcinoma (26 cases), malignant melanoma (5 cases), sebaceous cell carcinoma (2 cases), rhabdomyosarcoma (2 cases), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (1 case) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (1 case). The rate of previous recurrence was 85.7% in eyelid tumours and 42.1% in the conjunctival tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

Large proportion of the patients that underwent exenteration had a history of previous unsuccessful treatment and a long duration of disease. Because exenteration of the orbit is a disfiguring procedure, the incidence must be reduced by early presentation, prompt treatment, and adequate observation to preserve the eye.

Review of orbital exenteration from an eye care centre in Western India

PURPOSE

Indications for orbital exenteration performed over a 10-year period from a tertiary eye care center in Western India.

METHOD

Retrospective review of medical records of all patients who underwent exenteration of orbit over a period from January 1999 to April 2009, at a tertiary eye care center in western India.

RESULT

Out of total 236 major orbital surgeries performed, 15 (6%) underwent orbital exenteration. Age ranged from 19 years to 75 years. Of these 9 were male and 6 female. Except for one case all exenteration were for malignant neoplasm. Lesions originated from eyelid in 8 (54%) cases, orbit in 5 (33%) cases and bulbar conjunctiva in 2 (13%) cases. Histopathological classification of the neoplasm were sebaceous carcinoma (4 cases), basal cell carcinoma (3 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (3 cases), adenoid cystic carcinoma (1 case), transitional cell carcinoma (1 case), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (1 case), lymphoma (1 case) and mucormycosis (1 case).

CONCLUSION

Majority of exenterations performed were for neglected ocular or adnexal malignant lesions that could have been avoided provided patients reported earlier for treatment. Exenterations can be reduced by aggressive patient education about eye malignancy.

One-stage zygomaticomandibular approach for improved access to the hemimaxilla and the middle base of the skull

In this report, we describe a 1-stage zygomaticomandibular composite flap for improved access to the retromaxillary space and the base of the skull. The zygoma and the mandible were not detached from the facial musculature or from its overlying tissues, maintaining an optimum bone-soft tissue relationship. The advantage of this approach was the enhanced exposure of the deep lesion, which provided a shorter and wider view to the maxilla, the retromaxillary space, and the base of the skull. Restoration of the skeletal symmetry and the three-dimensional contour of the maxilla was greatly enhanced by using preadapted plates and a stereolithographic model. To the best of our knowledge, no references were found in the literature regarding the use of the same technique for treating defects of similar nature to those described in this article. The deep circumflex iliac artery flap was used to reconstruct the midfacial defect and the base of the skull. The use of the flap provided optimum results because the defect was closed with the muscle that became epithelialized with minimal bulk.

Orbital exenteration: a 15-year study of 38 cases

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical indications and outcomes after orbital exenteration when histologic margins were reported as "clear," examining factors affecting local and systemic recurrences and mortality.

METHODS

Retrospective case review of exenterations performed in Sydney Eye Hospital in Sydney, Australia, between 1990 and 2004. Reviewed data indications for exenteration, histopathologic diagnosis, and recurrences on follow-up.

RESULTS

Secondary intraorbital spread of malignant adnexal tumors was the most common indication for exenteration (34 of 38). Among these, the site of the primary neoplasm was the eyelid in 19 cases and the ocular surface in 12 cases. Exenteration was total in 26 cases, subtotal in 8 cases, and extended in 4 cases. In 11 cases, a dermis-fat graft was used for socket reconstruction; 24 cases were allowed to granulate spontaneously. The average healing time was 5 months (range, 4-6 months) for spontaneous granulation, and 6 weeks (range, 4-8 weeks) for dermis-fat grafts. Perineural spread was demonstrated histopathologically in 7 specimens. During follow-up (median, 48 months), there were 9 recurrences (23.7%): 3 local and 6 systemic. Seven patients (18.4%) died of the disease during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermis-fat grafts for reconstruction of the exenterated socket seem to optimize the aesthetic results. The first year is the most important period for follow-up of local recurrences, but systemic examination is needed for the longer follow-up. This may have implications in terms of reconstruction and adjunctive treatment following exenteration surgery.

Sino-orbital Fistula

PURPOSE

To report the incidence, characteristics, and management of sino-orbital fistulas, a complication of orbital exenteration.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred ten patients who underwent orbital exenteration at 2 orbital units.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all cases of orbital exenteration between 1993 and 2005 at one orbital unit and between 1999 and 2005 at a second orbital unit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of sino-orbital fistulas.

RESULTS

Seventy-three and 37 orbital exenterations were performed at the first and second orbital units, respectively. Five patients developed sino-orbital fistulas, 1 of whom developed 2 fistulas at separate sites. In the first unit, 4 fistulas developed in 3 of 73 (4.1%) patients who underwent orbital exenteration. In the second unit, 2 fistulas developed in 2 of 37 (5.4%) exenterated orbits. The majority (5/6) of fistulas occurred medially to the ethmoid sinus, whereas 1 occurred superiorly to the frontal sinus. Risk factors that may have contributed to fistula formation include radiotherapy (3/6), sinus disease (3/6), intraoperative penetration into a sinus (3/6), and immunocompromise (1/6). Management was tailored to the individual case and ranged from conservative socket hygiene to surgical repair with grafts or flaps. Four of the 6 fistulas recurred after repair. Three of these subsequently were closed successfully. Only 1 fistula persisted until the patient died from malignant disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Sino-orbital fistulas are uncommon but not rare complications of orbital exenteration that may be predicted by several risk factors. Bothersome symptoms may necessitate treatment, which can range from conservative management to surgical repair with various grafts or flaps. Despite repair, fistulas may be difficult to eradicate.

Orbital exenteration for invasive skin tumours

Orbital exenteration aims at local control of disease invading the orbit that is potentially fatal or relentlessly progressive. Of all exenterations presenting to ophthalmologists, 40-50% are required for tumours in the eyelid or periocular skin. 99% of these are basal cell carcinomas and 4-6% each are squamous cell carcinomas or sebaceous gland carcinomas. Orbital invasion results in progressive fixation of the tumour to bone and reduced ocular motility. Perineural invasion of branches of the trigeminal nerve leads to numbness or pain, and that the facial nerve, to weakness. Biopsy identifies the cell type and the presence of perineural invasion. CT and MRI scanning help in the assessment of tumour spread within the orbit. Management should be in collaboration with an oncologist. Exenteration may be total-the removal of all orbital contents-or lid-sparing if the tumour is placed posteriorly. The socket may be allowed to heal by granulation or lined with a split skin graft or local flap. Complications may be seen following 20-25% of exenterations and include fistulae, tissue necrosis, exposed bone, and infection. Incomplete clearance of tumours occurs in about 38% of total exenterations and 17% of subtotal. The overall 5-year survival is 55-65%, but significantly worse if there was perineural spread. Facial prostheses may be mounted on glasses or secured with tissue glue or osseointegrated implants. Excellent cosmetic results can be achieved but many patients prefer to wear a patch.

The galea fascia flap in orbital reconstruction: Innovative harvest technique

AIM

To report the treatment of a recurrent adenoid-cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland required orbital exenteration with an en bloc resection of the lateral orbital rim and wall and an anterior portion of the temporal muscle. Reconstruction was planned with both the objectives of a shortened healing time for faster epithetic reconstruction and no visible scars.

METHOD

After a cranially extended temporal approach, the dissection of the superficial galea layer was connected with the subcutaneous dissection of the upper and lower eyelid after subciliary incisions.

RESULTS

Ample exposure of the temporal, frontal and orbital region was obtained, facilitating the orbital exenteration with en bloc resection of the lateral orbital rim and wall and the anterior portion of the temporal muscle. The epithelialization of the eye socket covered with the galea fascia flap was accelerated, providing faster epithetic reconstruction, without visible scars.

CONCLUSIONS

Healing time is accelerated, providing faster epithetic rehabilitation without visible scars, which is important in the postoperative rehabilitation ladder after eye exenteration for both patient and surgeon. Further more ablative surgery within this region gets safer and easier due to the ample exposure of this innovative surgical technique. Further evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of this new approach is advisable.

Orbital Reconstruction After Eyelid- and Conjunctiva-Sparing Orbital Exenteration

PURPOSE

To describe the technique and results of eyelid- and conjunctiva-sparing orbital exenteration with temporalis transfer and dermis-fat graft.

METHODS

Five patients who underwent this procedure were studied, based on retrospective chart review. Schematic drawings were produced to illustrate the surgical technique.

RESULTS

The study included three female and two male patients with an age range of 7 to 76 years. Two patients required surgery for invasive optic nerve sheath meningioma, one for hemangiopericytoma, and the fourth for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The last patient had eyelid-sparing exenteration performed more than 20 years earlier for retinoblastoma and underwent a similar reconstruction. One case was complicated by infection and graft atrophy. The remaining four cases retained orbital volume and eyelid structures with a reasonable cosmetic outcome. Average follow-up period was 21 months, during which one patient had development of intracranial meningioma at the proximal end of the optic canal.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyelid- and conjunctiva-sparing orbital exenteration with temporalis transfer and dermis-fat graft is a useful technique that minimizes the usual deformity and achieves good results. Case selection is emphasized, as this technique is mainly reserved for histopathologically benign orbital lesions that exhibit local aggressive behavior and for malignant lesions only if there is no eyelid, lacrimal gland, or orbital fissure involvement nor significant conjunctival or deep extension of an intraocular tumor.

Mortality following exenteration for malignant tumours of the orbit

BACKGROUND

Orbital exenteration is a rare, but disfiguring procedure reserved for the treatment of locally invasive malignancy or potentially life threatening orbital neoplasms, when less destructive techniques are inadequate. The authors report their experience and analyses of 64 cases of orbital exenteration performed over a 13 year period, looking specifically at key factors affecting mortality associated with such a destructive surgical procedure.

METHODS

Records were reviewed retrospectively of all patients who had undergone exenteration of the orbit from 1 January 1991 to 1 April 2004 inclusive, at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. In all cases of deceased individuals, the cause of death was determined by liaison with the general practitioner and local health authority. Duplicate death certificates were requested for all deceased patients from the Registrar for Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Southport, UK. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival following exenteration.

RESULTS

Overall, 1 year survival post-exenteration was high at 93%. After 3 years this had fallen to 67%, followed by 57% after 5 years, and 37% at 10 years. 13 patients died as a direct result of the orbital tumour. A further nine died of unrelated medical conditions, and two patients succumbed to malignant processes originating elsewhere in the body. There was no difference in survival rate at 3 years (p=0.99) and 5 years (p=0.454) between those with clear resection margins and those without.

CONCLUSION

In this study it was found that there was an overall mortality rate of 38% over 12 years. The presence of clear surgical margins, although reassuring for the surgeon, should not be regarded as an indication of cure. However, an overall 1 year survival of 93% and a 10 year survival of 37% are reassuring in that a proportion of individuals achieve surgical cure following exenteration. 38% of patients died as a result of other medical causes over the 12 year follow up.

Orbital exenteration: a 13 year Manchester experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Orbital exenteration is a psychologically and anatomically disfiguring procedure reserved for the treatment of potentially life threatening malignancies or relentlessly progressive conditions unresponsive to other treatments. In this study the authors aimed to review their experience with exenteration, including indications, outcomes, and reasons for the increased rate of exenterations over the past 15 months.

METHOD

This retrospective study reviewed operating department records via a computerised database to identify all patients who had undergone exenteration of the orbit from 1 January 1991 to 1 April 2004 inclusive, at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Where case records were unavailable, attempts were made to obtain patient data from general practitioners, local health authorities, and referring hospitals.

RESULTS

69 orbits of 68 patients were identified. The mean age of the cohort was 68.2 years, with 33 males and 35 females having undergone exenterations. In total, 31 patients had previously undergone treatments undertaken by the referring specialty with a mean time from the primary procedure to exenteration of 115 months. 14 different tumours were encountered, of which basal cell carcinoma (28), melanoma (10), sebaceous cell carcinoma (nine), and squamous cell carcinoma (six) were the most common. An increasing incidence was observed in cases of BCCs requiring exenteration. 30 patients received orbital prosthesis within an 11 month period post-exenteration.

CONCLUSION

Exenteration is a procedure performed with increasing frequency in this unit over the past 15 months, the majority the result of BCCs. A large proportion of these exenterations had undergone previous treatments under a variety of non-ophthalmic specialties in other units. Exenterations are disfiguring procedures that may, therefore, be reduced in incidence by aggressive removal at the time of primary removal. Once performed, the cosmetic rehabilitation is long, with multiple postoperative visits, independent of the method used to close the orbital defect.

Repair of large orbito-cutaneous defects by combining two classical flaps

INTRODUCTION

Despite the fact that orbital exenteration is one of the most socially distressing facial operations, it may be necessary, still. The repair of a radically exenterated orbit is a difficult problem for surgeons to resolve.

MATERIAL AND PATIENTS

In the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Madrid, nine patients underwent orbital exenteration including simultaneous periorbital tissue resection for invasive orbital and/or periorbital tumours between 1990 and 2000. Primary repair was performed by temporalis myofascial plus facio-cervico-pectoral flaps.

RESULTS

This technique resulted in low morbidity, short period of hospitalization and good facial aesthetics.

Orbital exenteration: results of an individualized approach

PURPOSE

The authors report and evaluate their experience with an individualized approach to orbital exenteration.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed on a consecutive series of 25 orbital exenteration patients at a tertiary care center. The cases were classified into two groups for the retrospective analysis: Total exenteration procedures involved the removal of the entire orbital contents including the periorbita (13 cases), and subtotal procedures preserved at least a quadrant of the orbit or the orbital tissues posterior to the globe (12 cases).

RESULTS

The total exenteration group had a lower rate of clear surgical margins and a higher rate of systemic metastasis, whereas patients in the subtotal exenteration group had fewer surgical complications and better functional and aesthetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical planning for orbital exenteration should take into account the location, extent, and biological behavior of the orbital disease process and the reconstructive and prosthetic options for the exenterated socket. When an individualized approach to orbital exenteration is used, subtotal procedures can offer improved functional and aesthetic results while still maximizing the chances for a surgical cure.