Cannibalistic bilateral orbital trauma

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the details of a unique case of cannibalistic orbital trauma and the oculoplastic reconstruction approach. Observations: A 65-year-old homeless man survived a disfiguring cannibalistic facial and bilateral orbital injury that included bilateral loss of all adnexal structures, partial exenteration of the left orbit, and severe damage to the right globe and anterior orbital structures. The patient's extensive facial and orbital tissue damage required emergent surgery, which included left exenteration and right eyelid reconstruction. Conclusions: This is the first report of cannibalistic evisceration in a live victim who survived the attack, posing a unique reconstructive challenge. Bilateral globe removal was avoided to provide time for the patient's emotional recovery. Although this was an exceptional surgical scenario, traditional oculoplastic principles remained crucial to achieving a successful outcome. The patient survived and was pleased with his surgical outcome, refusing further reconstruction or prosthesis fitting.

Keywords

• Cannibal attack
• Cannibalistic trauma
• Enucleation
• Evisceration
• Exenteration
• Orbital trauma