Objective: Orbital exenteration has long been the oncologic standard for malignant craniofacial lesions that invade the periorbita/orbit from adjacent locations. Although oncologically sound, this radical surgical procedure is cosmetically disfiguring for all patients. Most of the reconstructive options available are complex, requiring further surgery and/or expense. We herein introduce an alternative surgical technique for radical orbital surgery that spares the globe, thereby allowing an early, aesthetic appearance at a nominal cost.
Study design and setting: Twenty consecutive patients requiring an oncologic orbital exenteration and meeting the indications for the new procedure underwent surgery at a tertiary care medical center. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 6 years.
Results: Only 1 patient recurred in the orbit due to an error in patient selection. There was no surgical morbidity resulting from the globe-sparing technique itself.
Conclusion: Globe-sparing orbital exenteration is a one-step, oncologically sound, aesthetically superior, low-cost alternative for those patients requiring radical orbital surgery and reconstruction.