Enucleation of the Eye

The following surgical drawings have been reproduced from GA Severin: "Severin's Veterinary Ophthalmology Notes" 3rd Ed, 1996. By the permission of Dr. GA Severin.

(Transconjunctival enucleation. Modified from Slatter, Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2nd ed, WB Saunders, 1990.)

a. Canthotomy to gain exposure of the globe.

b. Eyelids stabilized with eyelid speculum and globe stabilized with mosquito forceps. The conjunctiva is separated from the globe several millimeters from the limbus with blunt pointed scissors using blunt-sharp dissection.

c. Extrinsic ocular muscle insertions separated from the sclera with scissors.

d. Globe moderately pulled from the orbit to cut optic nerve and retractor oculi musele with enucleation or curved Mayo scissors.

e. Third eyelid and gland removed with scissors.

f. Margin of eyelids containing tarsal glands are removed with scissors.

g. Remove remaining conjunctiva.

h. Silicone rubber orbital implant trimmed for placement.

i. Periorbital fascia and tissues closed over implant with absorbable sutures. Penicillin G injected behind implant(100,000 to 250,000 units)

j. If implant not available, fascia is closed as much as possible with nonabsorbable suture to reduce skin indentation after healing

k. Subcutaneous tissues closed and penicillin G injected in front of prosthesis.

l. Skin closed with cruciate suture pattern.