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 degrees 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 degrees, combined with porous polyethylene orbital implant placement, is a useful technique for treating a variety of end-stage eye diseases.