Enucleation and Exenteration

On this page

Definitions & Indications - Eyes Out, Why Out?

  • Evisceration: Removal of intraocular contents; sclera & Extraocular Muscles (EOMs) remain.
    • Indications: Endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis (blind, painful eye), non-malignant perforating injury.
    • Offers better cosmesis & motility post-implant.
  • Enucleation: Removal of entire eyeball (globe); EOMs & orbital fat preserved.
    • Indications: Intraocular malignancy (e.g., retinoblastoma, choroidal melanoma), severe irreparable trauma, painful blind eye (e.g., absolute glaucoma, phthisis bulbi), sympathetic ophthalmia (prophylaxis/treatment).
  • Exenteration: Removal of globe AND orbital contents (EOMs, fat, connective tissue, ± eyelids).
    • Indications: Malignant orbital tumors (primary/secondary extension), life-threatening orbital infections (e.g., invasive fungal sinusitis, mucormycosis).
  • 📌 Mnemonic: Evisceration = Emptying contents. Enucleation = Entire globe out. Exenteration = Everything out of orbit. Enucleation surgical steps

⭐ Evisceration is contraindicated if intraocular malignancy is suspected or cannot be ruled out, due to risk of tumor cell spillage and incomplete tumor removal.

Surgical Nuances - The Art of Removal

  • Enucleation (Eyeball Removal): Globe integrity maintained.
    • Steps: Peritomy → EOMs disinserted & tagged → Optic nerve severed → Hemostasis → Implant placement → Tenon's & conjunctival closure.
    • Technique: Careful handling to prevent tumor seeding.
  • Exenteration (Orbital Contents Removal):
    • Types:
      • Total: All contents + eyelids.
      • Subtotal: Spares eyelids if uninvolved.
    • Procedure: Incisions → Periosteal elevation → Apical dissection → En bloc removal → Hemostasis ± Skin graft.
  • Orbital Implants: Restore volume, aid prosthesis motility.
    • Non-integrated: PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate).
    • Integrated (Porous):
      • Hydroxyapatite (HA)
      • Porous Polyethylene (Medpor)
      • Aluminium Oxide (Alumina)
    • Sizing: Critical for cosmesis & socket health. Integrated vs non-integrated orbital implants diagram

    ⭐ Integrated implants like Medpor or Hydroxyapatite allow fibrovascular ingrowth, offering superior motility and reduced extrusion rates compared to older PMMA implants.

Complications - The Aftermath Story

  • Early (Both Procedures):
    • Hemorrhage: Orbital, retrobulbar; may lead to orbital compartment syndrome.
    • Infection: Orbital cellulitis, abscess.
    • Pain, significant edema, ecchymosis.
    • Wound dehiscence.
  • Late (Enucleation):
    • Implant-related: Exposure, extrusion (most common), migration, infection.

      ⭐ Implant exposure/extrusion is the most frequent late complication following enucleation with an orbital implant.

    • Post-Enucleation Socket Syndrome (PESS): Ptosis, enophthalmos, deep superior sulcus, lower lid laxity.
    • Socket contracture, inadequate fornices for prosthesis.
    • Sympathetic ophthalmia (rare, but sight-threatening ⚠️).
  • Late (Exenteration):
    • Delayed wound healing, chronic discharge, granulation tissue, fistula formation.
    • CSF leak (if orbital roof breached), meningitis.
    • Severe cosmetic deformity, major psychological impact.

Post-Enucleation Socket Syndrome (PESS) Components

Rehabilitation - Beyond The Surgery

  • Initial Care: Pressure dressing (24-48 hrs), systemic antibiotics, analgesics.
  • Conformer: Placed during surgery or ~1-2 weeks post-op; maintains fornices, prevents socket contraction.
  • Prosthesis Fitting (Custom):
    • Ocular (post-enucleation/evisceration): ~6-8 weeks post-op.
    • Orbital (post-exenteration): Often requires adhesive or craniofacial osseointegrated implants. Orbital implant and prosthetic eye diagram
  • Socket Health: Lifelong hygiene; monitor for discharge, irritation, volume changes.
  • Complications: Address ptosis, implant exposure/migration, socket contraction.
  • Support: Psychological counseling is crucial for adjustment.

⭐ Post-Enucleation Socket Syndrome (PESS) features: enophthalmos, deep superior sulcus deformity, ptosis, lower lid laxity, and backward tilt of the prosthesis.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Enucleation: Removal of eyeball, sparing adnexa; for intraocular tumors (retinoblastoma), painful blind eye.
  • Evisceration: Removes internal contents, leaves sclera; contraindicated in malignancy due to tumor seeding risk.
  • Exenteration: Radical removal of all orbital contents; for life-threatening invasive orbital malignancies.
  • Porous implants (e.g., hydroxyapatite) after enucleation offer superior motility and reduced migration.
  • Enucleate traumatized blind eyes promptly (within 14 days) to prevent sympathetic ophthalmia.
  • Watch for implant extrusion, socket contraction, and ptosis post-operatively as key complications.

Practice Questions: Enucleation and Exenteration

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following conditions are not indicated for surgical exposure of orbital floor in ZMC fracture?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Enucleation and Exenteration

1/9

Total ophthalmoplegia is seen in _____ syndrome and Cavernous sinus thrombosis

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Total ophthalmoplegia is seen in _____ syndrome and Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Orbital apex

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial