Aim To evaluate the surgical outcome after the insertion of smooth surface tunnel porous polyethylene orbital implants (Medpor SST) in children with retinoblastoma.

Methods 44 consecutive children with retinoblastoma who underwent primary enucleation and Medpor SST implantation at Seoul National University Hospital from November 2004 to August 2009, with at least 24 months of follow-up were included. A retrospective review of cases was performed.

Results Mean age at the time of surgery was 24.7 months (range 1–65 months). The diameter of the spherical implant was 20 mm in 36 patients (81.8%) and 18 mm in 8 patients (18.2%). During a mean follow-up period of 60.1 months (range 26–93 months), there were no cases of implant exposure, extrusion or infection. Transient conjunctival thinning developed in three patients, but all resolved with conservative treatment. Anophthalmic socket complications such as lower lid malposition (retraction or entropion) (n=10, 22.7%), blepharoptosis (n=8, 18.2%) and enophthalmos (n=2, 4.5%) developed, but most showed acceptable cosmesis.

Conclusions Medpor SST is relatively safe, allowing for a mean follow-up of 5 years in terms of implant exposure, and may be a good choice of orbital implant for children with retinoblastoma.