Current trends in the surgical management of orbital dermoid cysts among pediatric ophthalmologists.
To survey the membership of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus on their preferences in the management of dermoid cysts.



The 689 active members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus were surveyed by mail on their preferences in the management of dermoid cysts. The survey addressed use of imaging, timing of surgery, surgical approach, use of corticosteroids, and satisfaction with results.



Of the 689 members surveyed, 62.4% responded. Of these, 75.8% performed orbital dermoid excisions in their pediatric ophthalmology practices. Imaging was always obtained by 9.5%, never obtained by 9.5%, and obtained for specific reasons by 81.0%. Computed tomography scan was the preferred imaging modality of 66.2% of respondents. Surgery was deferred until older than 6 months by 68.9%, and 71.9% cited anesthetic risk as the reason for waiting. Surgical approaches used were sub-brow incision only (53.9%), eyelid crease incision only (15.8%), or either (22.6%). Ninety-six percent of respondents never used adjunct corticosteroids, and 99.2% of respondents were satisfied with their surgical results.



The majority of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus members defer orbital dermoid surgery until 6 months of age due to anesthesia risk, use the sub-brow incision, and obtain imaging only for specific reasons. Most respondents never use systemic corticosteroids at the time of surgery, and are satisfied with their results.
Yen
Kimberly G
KG
Department of Ophthalmology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
Yen
Michael T
MT
D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'