C. Mohr et J. Esser, ORBITAL EXENTERATION - SURGICAL AND RECONSTRUCTIVE STRATEGIES, Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology, 235(5), 1997, pp. 288-295
Background: Radical exenteration procedures, which include the removal
of orbital content and eyelids, result in serious functional limitati
ons, especially with respect to eating and speaking. Therefore we have
recently changed our surgical concept. Methods: Seventy-seven patient
s underwent orbital exenteration during the 20-year period from 1973 t
o 1995 at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Essen University. T
he simultaneous removal of periorbital bone was performed in 45 of the
se cases. Results: The 1-year survival rate was 89%, the 5-year rate w
as 63% and the 10-year rate was 48%. The surgical approach, the amount
of resected orbital tissue and the reconstructive procedure have been
adapted to the individual needs, depending on the location and extent
of the tumor. Subsequently, the surgical morbidity has decreased. Dis
cussion: Detailed consideration of all clinical and histological findi
ngs is essential before surgery, in order to prevent a higher rate of
recurrence following these modified operations.