Long-term outcome after secondary orbital implants

Background: Secondary orbital implants are used for the correction of the p ost-enucleation socket syndrome (PESS). This study evaluates retrospectivel y the post-operative course, complications, additional surgery, long-term c osmetic and functional results, and patient's satisfaction after secondary orbital implants. Patients: Nineteen out of 24 patients who underwent secondary baseball impl ant insertion between 1986 and 1989 for the correction of PESS were re-exam ined. Results: Five patients had complications, 11 patients (58 %) further surger y. After a mean follow-up of 8.6.years, 17 patients (89 %) showed findings better than preoperatively. Two patients were unchanged. The static overall impression, assessing particularly volume deficit and symmetry, using a sc ale of 1 to 5, was improved from 4.5 preoperatively to 2.5. Conclusions: Secondary orbital implants improve symptoms of PESS and patien t's satisfaction in a high proportion of cases also in the long term. Compl ications are not rare, and frequently more than one operation is necessary. There is no significant risk of longterm side effects and no reduction of the positive effect with time.