title: PSYCHO-SOCIAL CHALLENGES OF PATIENTS FOLLOWING ORBITAL EXENTERATION.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Orbital exenteration results in devastating functional, aesthetic and psychological losses. We studied the psycho-social challenges of patients following orbital exenteration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, eye clinic, Accra.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings call for a counseling plan for our patients while it is also necessary to find ways of improving their cosmesis.
authors: Department of Surgery, Eye Unit, University of Ghana Medical School, P. O. Box 42J6, Accra, Ghana.
authors: E M
authors: EM
authors: Ackuaku-Dogbe
authors: R B
authors: RB
authors: Biritwum
authors: Z I
authors: ZI
authors: Briamah
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005869:Ghana; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017233:Orbit Evisceration / Q000523:psychology*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires