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

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.