Objective: The objective of this study was (i) to identify clinicopathological variables that significantly influence the frequency of postenucleation orbital recurrence and (ii) to create an awareness regarding follow-up, to pre-empt orbital recurrence.
Design: Retrospective, case-controlled, longitudinal study.
Participants: A total of 176 children with retinoblastoma who were admitted and treated at Khyber Teaching Hospital between August 1, 1978, and July 31, 1998.
Methods: This study was undertaken by reviewing the appropriate charts. The data of children with primary enucleation were analyzed to extract cases of orbital recurrence.
Results: The mean age was 3.8 years (range 1-10 years). Of 176 patients, 83 (47.3%) presented with proptosis and fungating mass. Of 136 patients who were enucleated, 80 (58.82%) presented with proptosis and fungating mass. The 31 patients who had been diagnosed as having had orbital recurrence had a mean age of 4.09 years. The duration between enucleation and orbital recurrence was 1-12 months in 28 patients (90.4%). Histopathology reports of only 8 patients (26%) could be traced. Follow-up was recorded in only 9.6% of cases.
Conclusions: The failure to identify clinical and pathological parameters in the course of the disease in retinoblastoma children results in human misery caused by poor follow-up and gross negligence.