Enukleace

Enukleace is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of the eye from the orbit. Also known as enucleation, this intervention is primarily performed to treat malignant eye tumors such as melanoma, advanced glaucoma, painful blind eyes, trauma resulting in irreparable damage, or certain severe infections unresponsive to other treatments. The procedure aims to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of malignant diseases, or improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The operation involves carefully removing the globe of the eye while preserving the surrounding orbital tissues and muscles. Often, an orbital implant made of materials such as silicone or porous substance is inserted into the socket to restore facial symmetry and provide support for a prosthetic eye. Enucleation is typically conducted under general anesthesia, and post-operative care includes antibiotic and analgesic medications, along with monitoring for potential complications such as infection or implant displacement.

Recovery times vary, but patients usually require a healing period of several weeks before fitting a prosthetic eye. The process of fitting and adjusting the ocular prosthesis is managed by specialized ocularists to achieve a natural appearance and functional comfort.

Enucleation is distinguished from other eye removal procedures such as evisceration and exenteration, which involve different levels of tissue removal depending on the underlying condition. While it is generally considered safe, enucleation carries potential risks like any surgical procedure, including bleeding, infection, and anesthetic complications. The decision to undergo enucleation is made after thorough evaluation by ophthalmologists and medical teams, considering the patient's specific condition and prognosis.