Perform a lateral canthotomy, then grasp the conjuctiva at the limbus and make a 360° perlimbal incision. Separate the conjunctiva, tendon's capsule, and extraocular muscles from the sclera, then ligate and secure the optic nerve.

ENUCLEATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Periorbital fat and extraocular muscles are retained to enhance the postsurgical cosmetic effect.
• All enucleated globes should be submitted for histopathologic analysis, unless known trauma is the cause of the enucleation.
• Postoperative swelling is common but typically resolves within five days.

 

MOST COMMON COMPLICATIONS AND DIFFICULTY

• Failure to properly ligate the ocular artery resulting in postoperative bleeding.
• Do not place tension on the optic nerve, especially in cats. It can cause blindness in the opposite eye.

"EXPERTS' ADVICE"

• Complete removal of the lacrimal gland is required so that the defect does not fill up with tears.
• Suture eyelid margins closed and dissect periconjunctival and periorbital tissue to prevent contamination.

 

ENUCLEATION:
SUTURE AND NEEDLE OPTIONS

	Brand		Needle Type	Needle Reference
	Main Choice	Also Possible		Main Choice	Also Possible
LIGATURES	MONOCRYL* VICRYL*		Taper Point	SH-1, SH	CT-3
SUBCUTANEOUS	MONOCRYL* VICRYL* PLUS	PDS* II VICRYL*	Taper Point	RB-1, SH, CT-2, CT-1
SKIN CLOSURE	ETHILON* PROLENE*	Silk	Reverse Cut	FS-2, FS-1, FS	FSL, CP-2, CP-1, KS

	Cat/Small Dog (20 lbs or less)	Medium Dog (20-45 lbs or less)	Large Dogs (50 to 75 lbs)	Giant Dog (75 lbs +)
LIGATURES	3-0	3-0	3-0	3-0
SUBCUTANEOUS	4-0	4-0 or 3-0	3-0 or 2-0	2-0
SKIN CLOSURE	4-0	4-0 or 3-0 or 2-0	3-0 or 2-0	2-0

 

Use the suture selection tool for specific product code recommendations.