Mersilene mesh versus sclera in wrapping hydroxyapatite orbital implants

PURPOSE: To compare Mersilene mesh versus sclera in wrapping hydroxyapatite orbital implants used in primary enucleation. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, interventional comparative case series, 60 eyes from 60 consecutive patients were included and randomly allocated for primary enucleation and either Mersilene mesh-wrapped hydroxyapatite (MHA) orbital implant (30 cases, 50) or sclera-wrapped hydroxyapatite (SHA) orbital implant (30 cases, 50) under general anesthesia. Complete socket examination was performed at 1 week, 1 month, and then every 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was not significantly different (P = 0.08) between patients with MHA (36.43 years) and SHA (28.50 years) orbital implants. The most common cause of enucleation was trauma in both groups (P = 0.09). Patients with MHA had significantly (P =0.005) longer follow-up time (mean, 11.40 months) than those with SHA (mean, 9.40 months). No exposure was found at last follow-up in the MHA group, but one patient in the SHA group had a small exposure (1 � 1 mm) 1 month after surgery that was conservatively treated. There were no significant postoperative soft tissue complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Sclera and Mersilene mesh could be used as a wrapping material for hydroxyapatite orbital implants without significant complications. Absence of disease transmission, low cost, and availability are the main advantages of Mersilene mesh. ©2006 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc