Free orbital fat graft to prevent porous polyethylene orbital implant exposure in patients with retinoblastoma

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if porous polyethylene orbital implant (Medpor) exposure can be prevented in retinoblastoma patients when the implant is placed in combination with a free orbital fat graft over the anterior surface of the implant.

Methods: Free orbital fat grafts were performed after enucleation and Medpor implantation, and results were compared with patients who underwent conventional enucleation and Medpor implantation without an orbital fat graft.

Results: Although implant exposure occurred in 13 of 39 eyes (33.3%) that had conventional enucleation and Medpor implantation, exposure did not develop in any of the 38 eyes that had the combined procedure with a free orbital fat graft.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that a free orbital fat graft is a simple, effective way to prevent orbital implant exposure in patients requiring enucleation and Medpor implantation.