enucleation /ino̅o̅′klē·ā″shən/ [L, e, without, nucleus, nut] , 1. removal of an organ or tumor in one piece. 2. removal of the entire eyeball, performed for malignancy, severe infection, extensive trauma, or control of pain in glaucoma. Local or general anesthesia is used. The optic nerve and muscle attachments are cut; if possible, the surrounding layer of fascia is left with the muscles. A round implant of hydroxyapatite (coralline or syntetic) is inserted, and the muscles are sutured around it, providing a permanent stump to give support and motion to an artificial eye, or an implant of porous polyethylene is inserted, allowing the rectus muscle to be sutured directly to the implant. After surgery, pressure dressings are kept in place for 1 or 2 days to prevent hemorrhage. Other possible complications include thrombosis of nearby blood vessels, which may lead to infection, including meningitis.
