Retrospective analysis of complications in enucleated patients with porous polyethylene implants for uveal melanoma

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the complication rate of porous polyethylene (PP) implants in patients who underwent enucleation for uveal melanoma and to explore the link between complications and surgical factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive cases treated at the Ocular Oncology Unit, University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid, from 1995 to 2023. Complications were classified as mild (managed conservatively) or severe (requiring implant removal or replacement). Kaplan-Meier curves analyzed complication timing.

Results

The study included 193 patients, with an average age of 63.6 years and a mean follow-up of 65.9 months. Results showed that 54 complications (28%) were recorded, with 13 (6.7%) classified as severe, and 55.6% of complications occurred within the first three years. Implant wrapping varied: 50.3% with sclera, 11.9% with bovine pericardium, and 33.2% not wrapped. The study found no significant difference in implant survival between wrapped and unwrapped implants or between different sizes (p > .05).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that PP implants have a low rate of severe complications in uveal melanoma patients and that complication risk is not significantly impacted by wrapping or implant size.