Psycho-social Challenges of Patients following Orbital Exenteration.

OBJECTIVE Orbital exenteration results in devastating functional, aesthetic and psychological losses. We studied the psycho-social challenges of patients following orbital exenteration. DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. SETTING Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, eye clinic, Accra. SUBJECTS Ten surviving patients, at least six months post orbital exenteration. RESULTS Though all the patients were satisfied with the medical results of the surgery, 50% felt strongly uncomfortable or dissatisfied with the cosmetic effect of the surgery. Sixty percent of the patients suffered unwelcome comments and 50% uncomfortable stare from close friends and relations. Sixty percent were not uncomfortable in the company of friends and close relations. CONCLUSION Our findings call for a counseling plan for our patients while it is also necessary to find ways of improving their cosmesis.