The use of rectus abdominis sheath for wrapping of the hydroxyapatite orbital implants

Because of the decreasing availability of whole eye donation, the source of banked sclera is becoming less available. We used autogenous Rectus abdominis sheath (RAS) as an alternative to banked sclera in wrapping the hydroxyapatite (HA)orbital implant. Five anophthalmic patients were included in this study from July 1994 to December 1997. Identical surgical methods were used in every case. The average follow-up time was 18.4 months. The motility associated with sheath-wrapped HA implants was excellent and good vascular ingrowth was found in each patient during peg drilling. The complications are minimal in all the cases. Use of RAS as wrapping material for HA orbital implant has promising results. The RAS served as a practical substitute for banked donor sclera.