A Single- Versus Double-Layered Closure Technique in Anophthalmic Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of orbital implant exposure and extrusion following eye removal with a simplified closure technique, closing Tenon's capsule and conjunctiva in 1 layer versus the classic technique of closure in 2 separate layers.

METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective case note review of patients who underwent evisceration or enucleation treated by 1 surgeon between 2001 and 2013. Between 2001 and 2004, Tenon's capsule and conjunctiva were closed in separate layers; after 2004, a simplified 1-layer closure following eye removal was used. The primary outcome parameters were presence or absence of implant exposure or extrusion.

RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients who underwent evisceration and 172 patients who underwent enucleation were included. Following evisceration, 2.5% developed exposure or extrusion of the implant, this was 2.5% in the 1-layer closure technique and 2.7% in the 2-layer closure technique (p = 0.95). Following enucleation, 1.7% developed exposure or extrusion of the implant, this was 1.8% in the 1-layer closure technique and 1.7% in the 2-layer closure technique (p = 0.96). Overall implant exposure and extrusion was 2.1%, this was 2.2% in the 1-layer closure technique and 2.1% in the 2-layer closure technique (p = 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found in the frequency of spheric acrylic implant exposure or extrusion in patients who underwent eye removal with single-layer closure of Tenon's capsule and conjunctiva compared with patients treated with separate closure of these layers.