Orbital exenterations and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva at Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit, Zimbabwe.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the audit was to determine the common orbital diseases necessitating orbital exenterations at Sekuru Kaguvi Hospital (SKH) between January and December 1999 and recommend ways of reducing the numbers of procedures done annually.


METHODS
Retrospective cross sectional study.


METHODS
Department of Surgery, Parirenyatwa Hospital, University of Zimbabwe.


METHODS
23 patients who underwent orbital exenterations at SKH over a one year period.


METHODS
The nature of orbital tumours requiring orbital exenteration in Zimbabwe.


RESULTS
A total of 23 patients underwent orbital exenteration during the period under review. Of the 23 patients, 13 (56.5%) had squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the conjunctiva with orbital extensions, 69% of the 13 patients were females and the mean age of these patients was 37.2 years (interquartile range 28, 48).


CONCLUSIONS
People in tropical regions, where there is a high risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva in terms of increased predisposition to solar radiation, high prevalence of HIV and inadequate eye care services, should seek medical attention as soon as they notice a persistent conjunctival growth. Conjunctival tumours should be widely excised and material sent for histology to confirm diagnosis and clarity of excision margins. All patients diagnosed as having SCCA of the conjunctiva should be closely monitored to facilitate early detection of recurrences and institute appropriate treatment.
Masanganise
R
R
Department of Surgery, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. ceu@healthnet.zw
Magava
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D017233:Orbit Evisceration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015030:Zimbabwe