[Dermal fat transplant as autologous orbital implant]

Abstract

Background: The use of orbital implants after an enucleation is the pre-condition for an adequate fitting of the prosthesis and gives the best functional and cosmetic results. The autogenous dermofat graft is an alternative to the widely used alloplastic orbital implants. It can be used as a primary implant or as a secondary implant for the correction of a contracted socket or a post enucleation socket syndrome.

Method: Deepithelialized skin with subcutaneous fat is implanted into the socket. The rectus muscles, Tenon's capsule and conjunctive are fixed to the transplant separately. Surgical technique, possible complications and their therapy are presented.

Conclusions: Disadvantages of the method are the more extensive surgery, some minor complications and the possible shrinkage of the transplant. Advantageous is the fact, that typical complications of all alloplastic implants, like migration and extrusion, can be avoided, heterologous materials like donor sclera are unnecessary and the functional and cosmetic results are very good.