Evisceration with four anterior relaxing incisions and circumferential posterior sclerotomies with porous polyethylene orbital implants: an 8-year study

Abstract

Purpose: To present long-term follow-up data on eviscerations carried out with scleral modification and placement of spherical porous polyethylene implants.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, interventional study on eviscerations performed with four anterior relaxing incisions and posterior sclerotomies made circumferentially behind the equator at approximately 330° and placement of porous polyethylene spherical implant, performed between March 2000 and August 2007 by a single surgeon. Patient age, sex, causative diagnosis, axial length, implant size, follow-up duration, complications and treatment were recorded.

Results: In total, 92 patients were identified. The mean implant size was 19.46 mm. During the follow-up period (mean: 60 months, range: 19-107 months), there were no cases of implant exposure. In some patients, mild discharge, ptosis and conjunctival cysts developed.

Conclusions: Primary evisceration with four anterior relaxing incisions and posterior sclerotomies made circumferentially behind the equator at approximately 330°, combined with porous polyethylene orbital implant placement, is a useful technique for treating a variety of end-stage eye diseases.