A 6-year Series of Orbital Exenteration

Lee, Jong Hyun; Jang, Jae Woo; Kim, Ji Youn; Lee, Sang Yeul

Abstract

We retrospectively investigated the clinical data of 18 patients who had received orbital exenteration at Shinchon Severance Hospital over the 6years since 1993.All patients with the average age at the time of operation 46 years[5~65 years]had received the operation for removal of malignanttumor.The most common origin of the tumor was from the acrimal gland[9 cases]followed by the eyelids[4 cases].The most common pathologic diagnosis was adenoid cystic carcinoma[4 cases].During the orbital exenteration, we combined orbital wall removal according to the extent of the tumor in 5 cases.We used split thickness skin graft, full thickness skin graft, free flap, and local transpositional flap as reconstructive procedures of the operation site.Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 9 cases and chemotherapy was combined in 2 cases.There were several postoperative complications such as fistula to the ethmoid sinuses and infection of the operation site.The average postoperative follow up period was 35months and 16 of 18 patients are still alive.Four patients are wearing prosthesis.Though severe cosmetic problems occur after the orbital exenteration, these can be overcome by developed prosthetic techniques.Therefore, orbital exenteration will give satisfactory results when performed after sufficient preoperative explanation and informed consents.