Partial orbital rim resection, mesh skin expansion, and second intention healing combined with enucleation or exenteration for extensive periocular tumors in horses.

The research discusses a modified surgical procedure for removing extensive periocular tumors in horses. The strategy involves a partial orbital rim resection, mesh skin expansion, and second intention healing combined with enucleation or exenteration. The technique was found to be effective with no reported tumor regrowth in the observed cases.

Background

• The study focuses on a common problem in equine health – ocular and periorbital sarcoids and squamous cell carcinoma. When the tumors extensively involve the periorbital tissues, usually, globe removal becomes necessary if eyelid function cannot be maintained post tumor removal.

Study Objective

• The primary objective of the research was to present modifications to the standard techniques of enucleation or exenteration, specifically for cases where there is not enough skin to achieve primary closure after the tumor has been surgically excised.

Procedure Modification

• The modification involves partial excision of the protruding caudal portion of the dorsal orbital rim with an osteotome. This process reduces the size of the wound, thereby facilitating skin closure.
• Mesh expansion of the skin is also incorporated into the procedure. It involves making multiple rows or parallel stab incisions and assists in facilitating closure.

Research Method and Results

• The research applied these techniques to four horses that had extensive periocular tumors resistant to previous treatments.
• The duration of the follow-up period post-surgery ranged from 6 to 42 months.
• Impressively, none of the horses that underwent the modified procedure showed signs of tumor regrowth, indicating the potential effectiveness of the described techniques.