Indications for destructive eye surgeries at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital

To determine the indications and rate of acceptance for destructive eye surgeries at the ophthalmology unit of the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital.

A retrospective consecutive case series in which the medical records of all patients consulting in this unit over a 9-year period (2002 to 2010) were reviewed. Records in which destructive surgery was recommended were retained. Information collected included demographic data, eye affected, clinical diagnosis, acceptance or refusal of surgery, and the outcome in those in whom surgery was performed.

A total of 48 patients had a recommendation for destructive eye surgery, of whom 30 (62.5%) were males and 18 (37.5%) were females. Mean age was 43.78 (SD = 28.11; range 1 month to 91 years). Children <10 years comprised 23.10%. The leading causes were endophthalmitis/panophthalmitis (47.9%), neoplasm (20.8%), and absolute glaucoma (14.6%). Surgery was done in 20 cases (41.7%). Evisceration was the most performed surgical procedure (50%), with endophthalmitis/panophthalmitis and neoplasm combined accounting for 65% of surgeries.

The high rate of refusal is an indication of the psychological devastation undergone by patients or the families of children in whom eye removal is recommended. Awareness should be raised on preventive measures and the need to rapidly seek eye care.