Balanced orbital decompression combined with fat removal in Graves ophthalmopathy: do we really need to remove the third wall?

PURPOSE: To compare the reduction of proptosis and the incidence of new-onset diplopia after 3-wall (medial, lateral, and inferior) orbital decompression versus balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with orbital fat excision in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy. METHODS: Three-wall orbital decompression including medial, inferior, and lateral walls was performed in 13 eyes of 7 patients (group 1), and balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with fat removal was performed in 18 eyes of 11 patients (group 2). A transnasal endoscopic approach was used for medial wall removal. A lateral canthotomy incision combined with a short upper eyelid incision was used for extended lateral wall removal, and this was combined with an inferior conjunctival fornix incision when floor decompression was performed. RESULTS: The mean reduction of proptosis was 6.9+/-1.6 mm and 6.5+/-1.3 mm in the first and second groups, respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.37). After 3-wall decompression, 57.1% of the patients had permanent new-onset diplopia (group 1), whereas none of the patients had permanent postoperative diplopia after balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with fat removal (group 2). The difference in permanent new-onset postoperative diplopia between two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with orbital fat removal provides an effective reduction in proptosis and reduces the incidence of postoperative permanent diplopia when compared with 3-wall decompression. This technique may eliminate the need for orbital floor excision.     

Efficacy and side effects of 'swinging eyelid' orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy: a proposal for standardized evaluation of diplopia

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of 'swinging eyelid' orbital decompression in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO). To calculate the incidence of postoperative new-onset diplopia (NOD) using a newly proposed scoring system for diplopia. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data on proptosis, visual acuity, and diplopia in 104 consecutive patients (198 orbits) with GO, who underwent orbital decompression. A combined lateral canthal and inferior fornix incision ('swinging eyelid' approach) was used for removal of the medial wall, the orbital floor and, if indicated, the lateral wall. Indications for surgery were disfiguring/congestive GO (DGO) in 79 patients (149 orbits) and compressive optic neuropathy (CON) in 25 patients (49 orbits). Diplopia was scored according to four grades. In both groups, the incidence of new-onset (continuous) diplopia (NOD), deterioration of diplopia (DOD), and improvement of diplopia (IOD) were calculated, using strictly defined criteria. Our data on NOD were compared to those from other series, after recalculation according to our criteria. RESULTS: The mean proptosis reduction was 4.6 mm (range 0-9.5 mm) after three-wall decompression (95 patients, 180 orbits) vs 3.1 mm (range 0-7 mm) after two-wall decompression (nine patients, 18 orbits). The visual acuity improved in 98% of the patients with CON. In patients with DGO, NOD occurred in 14%. In patients with CON, NOD was not observed, but DOD occurred in 41%. Our data compare favourably to the reported incidence of NOD after either transantral or transnasal decompression. CONCLUSIONS: "Swinging eyelid' orbital decompression is efficacious for proptosis reduction as well as for optic nerve decompression. A scoring system for standardized evaluation of diplopia is proposed.     

Transcaruncular orbital decompression: an alternate procedure for Graves ophthalmopathy with compressive optic neuropathy

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of transcaruncular orbital apex decompression for Graves ophthalmopathy with compressive optic neuropathy nonresponsive to pulse corticosteroids. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series study. METHODS: From August 1999 to November 2003, transcaruncular orbital decompression was performed in 22 consecutive Graves ophthalmopathy patients with compressive optic neuropathy refractory to pulse corticosteroids. The average period of corticosteroid treatment was 16.1 +/- 5.2 days. Main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative best-corrected vision, Hertel exophthalmometry, 100-hue color sensation test, visual evoked potential, visual field, and new-onset diplopia. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved significantly from 1.08 +/- 0.24 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.29 +/- 0.18 logMAR postoperatively (P < .0001). Average improvement in retinal sensitivity was 9.4 +/- 8.2 dB, in P(100) value of visual evoked potential was 27.5 +/- 20.1, and in "total errors" of the 100-hue test was 309.9 +/- 214.3 after surgery. Average retroplacement effect was 3.7 +/- 1.6 mm. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements for all above parameters (P < .0001). New-onset diplopia occurred in 38% of patients. There were no complications specifically attributable to the transcaruncular technique. CONCLUSIONS: The transcaruncular approach offers access to the medial and inferior wall for orbital apex decompression in Graves ophthalmopathy patients with compressive optic neuropathy refractory to pulse corticosteroids. Advantages over other approaches included no external scar, less damage to adjacent tissue, and wide exposure to the entire medial wall.     

Balanced orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy: Upper eyelid crease incision for extended lateral wall decompression

INTRODUCTION. This study reports on the results and complications detected in patients with Graves' orbitopathy who underwent balanced medial and lateral wall orbital decompression through concealed incisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The medial and lateral orbital walls of nine consecutive patients (14 eyes) were removed. A transnasal endoscopic spheno-ethmoidectomy was performed for the medial wall decompression. A lateral wall decompression was performed via an upper eyelid crease incision which was extended laterally in a relaxed skin tension line. The lateral aspect of the orbit was sculpted with a high-speed surgical drill from the inferior orbital fissure inferiorly and frontal bone of the lacrimal fossa superiorly to the orbital apex posteriorly, including the thick bone of the greater wing of the sphenoid. RESULTS. The decompression was performed for cosmetic purposes in seven patients (10 orbits) and for exposure keratopathy and restrictive myopathy in the remaining two patients (4 orbits). The average follow-up period was 13.6 months. The mean reduction of proptosis was 4.8 mm. The preoperative diplopia in two cases demonstrating restrictive myopathy worsened during the postoperative period. New onset diplopia was not detected in seven cases operated on for cosmetic purposes. All patients were satisfied with their eye status, visual rehabilitation and cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS. The transnasal endoscopic approach for medial wall and extended lateral wall decompression with hidden eyelid crease incision provides a favorable cosmetic and physiologic outcome with proper retroplacement of the globe.     

Ocular motility problems after orbital decompression for dysthyroid ophthalmopathy

Ocular motility problems of 50 consecutive patients following orbital decompression for dysthyroid (Graves') ophthalmopathy were analyzed retrospectively. No significant relationship to the development of postoperative diplopia was seen in the amount of retrodisplacement of the globe, the anatomical approach for orbital decompression, or the indication for decompression. Several clinical observations were made. Patients whose indication for orbital decompression was a vision-threatening ophthalmopathy were more likely (although not statistically significantly) to develop postoperative strabismus. Patients who developed changes in preoperative strabismus were more likely to develop increased esotropia and/or restrictive hypertropia. Of 32 patients who were orthotropic in the primary position before operation, 11 developed postoperative strabismus in the primary position. Only five patients had normal versions and ductions before operation. All five of these patients had normal versions and ductions after operation.     

Coronal approach for rehabilitative orbital decompression in Graves' ophthalmopathy

AIMS—To determine the effectiveness and safety of three wall orbital decompression by the coronal approach in Graves' ophthalmopathy.
METHODS—The records of 125 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, who had undergone three wall orbital decompression by coronal approach between April 1984 and October 1993, were studied retrospectively. Special attention was paid to proptosis reduction, changes in ocular motility, and complications.
RESULTS—The preoperative Hertel values ranged from 15 to 30 mm (mean 22.43 mm). The mean proptosis reduction was 4.34 mm (range 0-10 mm). Proptosis reduction in patients with preoperative Hertel values higher than 27 mm was significantly more than in patients with preoperative values between 25 and 27 mm (p < 0.05). This last group showed significantly more proptosis reduction than patients with preoperative Hertel values of 23 and 24 mm (p < 0.01). Postoperatively, 3.2% of the patients showed new diplopia in primary and/or reading position. In 4% of the patients with normal ocular motility preoperatively, diplopia in the extreme directions of gaze developed. In 4% of the patients, preoperative motility disturbances decreased or disappeared postoperatively.
CONCLUSION—Three wall orbital decompression by coronal approach is a safe and effective technique, to achieve proptosis reduction in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, with fewer complications than other techniques thus far described.

     

Balanced orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy: Upper eyelid crease incision for extended lateral wall decompression

INTRODUCTION . This study reports on the results and complications detected in patients with Graves' orbitopathy who underwent balanced medial and lateral wall orbital decompression through concealed incisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS . The medial and lateral orbital walls of nine consecutive patients (14 eyes) were removed. A transnasal endoscopic spheno-ethmoidectomy was performed for the medial wall decompression. A lateral wall decompression was performed via an upper eyelid crease incision which was extended laterally in a relaxed skin tension line. The lateral aspect of the orbit was sculpted with a high-speed surgical drill from the inferior orbital fissure inferiorly and frontal bone of the lacrimal fossa superiorly to the orbital apex posteriorly, including the thick bone of the greater wing of the sphenoid. RESULTS . The decompression was performed for cosmetic purposes in seven patients (10 orbits) and for exposure keratopathy and restrictive myopathy in the remaining two patients (4 orbits). The average follow-up period was 13.6 months. The mean reduction of proptosis was 4.8 mm. The preoperative diplopia in two cases demonstrating restrictive myopathy worsened during the postoperative period. New onset diplopia was not detected in seven cases operated on for cosmetic purposes. All patients were satisfied with their eye status, visual rehabilitation and cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS . The transnasal endoscopic approach for medial wall and extended lateral wall decompression with hidden eyelid crease incision provides a favorable cosmetic and physiologic outcome with proper retroplacement of the globe.     

深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术治疗甲状腺相关性眼病

目的：探究深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术治疗甲状腺相关性眼病的临床治疗效果及安全性。

方法：分析我科既往住院患者病历,纳入2019-01/2020-05在我科住院的符合纳入标准的甲状腺相关性眼病患者17例。所有患者均在全身麻醉下行深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术,比较患者术前术后的视力、暴露性角膜炎恢复情况、突眼度、眼压以及并发症情况。

结果：所纳入研究的对象中,有甲状腺相关眼病视神经病变(DON)8例9眼,术前的最佳矫正视力0.78±0.15,术后1mo 0.36±0.12,与术前视力相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo 0.38±0.12,与术后1mo无差异(P=0.594)。术前眼球突出度23.75±2.55mm,术后1mo为14.85±1.53mm,与术前突眼度相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo为14.60±1.64mm,与术后1mo基本保持稳定(P=0.658)。术前眼压25.56±3.23mmHg,术后1mo为18.42±2.35mmHg,与术前相比有差异(P<0.01),术后6mo眼压降至15.82±2.57mmHg,与术后1mo眼压相比有差异(P<0.01)。术前有暴露性角膜炎6例6眼,术后1mo有4眼好转,2眼治愈,术后6mo 6眼全部治愈。术后患者复视情况均有不同程度减轻,并有部分患者复视症状在此后6mo持续好转,未出现其他严重并发症。

结论：深外侧壁联合内侧壁眼眶减压术可以有效地改善眼突,对DON及暴露性角膜炎等严重并发症也有良好的疗效,并发症少,是治疗严重甲状腺相关性眼病的有效手术方案。     

Characterization and Outcomes of Repeat Orbital Decompression for Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

Orbital decompression for thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is commonly performed for disfiguring proptosis, congestion, and optic neuropathy. Although one decompression typically achieves goals, a small percentage requires repeat decompression. We performed a 10-year retrospective chart review of all orbital decompressions for TAO at a single tertiary referral institution. Four-hundred and ninety-five orbits (330 patients) were decompressed for TAO, with 45 orbits (37 patients) requiring repeat decompression. We reviewed the repeat cases for indications, clinical activity scores, approach, walls decompressed, and outcomes. Nine percent of orbits required repeat decompression for proptosis (70%), optic neuropathy (25%) or congestion (45%). Sixty-four percent were for recurrence of disease, 36% were for suboptimal decompression. Three incisional approaches were used: lateral upper eyelid crease, inferior transconjunctival, and transcaruncular, with inferior transconjunctival being most common. Of the three walls removed, deep lateral, inferior, and medial, the deep lateral wall was most common (51%). A repeat lateral decompression was the most frequent pattern. Of 37 patients requiring repeat decompression, 40% had diplopia prior to repeat, and an additional 24% developed diplopia after the repeat. Whereas previous studies published by our group cited only 2.6% of deep lateral wall orbital decompressions leading to new-onset primary gaze diplopia, repeat orbital decompressions have a much higher rate of post-operative diplopia. The new onset primary gaze diplopia after repeat decompression group had a higher average preoperative CAS (3.3 vs. 2.4, p?p?=?0.04), more frequent medial wall decompressions (47% vs. 29%, p?=?0.33), and greater proptosis reduction (2.4 vs. 1.7?mm, p?=?0.24).     

The removal of the deep lateral wall in orbital decompression: its contribution to exophthalmos reduction and influence on consecutive diplopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of maximal removal of the deep lateral wall of the orbit to exophthalmos reduction in Graves' orbitopathy and its influence on the onset of consecutive diplopia. DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: The medical records of two cohorts of patients affected by Graves' orbitopathy with exophthalmos > or = 23 mm, without preoperative diplopia, were retrieved at random from the pool of patients decompressed for rehabilitative reasons at our institution (01/1990 to 12/2003), and retrospectively reviewed. They had been treated with an extended (cases, group 1, n = 15) or conservative (controls, group 2, n = 15) 3-wall orbital decompression performed through a coronal approach. The deep portion of the lateral wall had been removed in the extended decompression group while preserved in the conservative decompression group. Demographics, preoperative characteristics, and surgical outcome were compared. The difference in mean exophthalmos reduction between groups 1 and 2 was considered to be the contribution of the deep lateral wall to reduction of exophthalmos. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 were drawn from a pool of 37 and 335 patients, respectively. Demographics and preoperative characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. The mean contribution of the deep lateral wall to exophthalmos reduction was 2.3 mm. The onset of consecutive diplopia was not significantly different between the two groups (case n = 2/15, controls n = 5/15; P = .203). Diplopia resolved spontaneously in all the patients of group 1, while all the patients of group 2 required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the deep lateral orbital wall as part of a coronal-approach, 3-wall decompression, enhances the degree of exophthalmos reduction without increasing the risk of consecutive diplopia.     

甲状腺相关眼病眼眶减压术后继发内斜视伴复视的手术疗效观察

目的探讨甲状腺相关眼病(TAO)眼眶减压术后继发内斜视伴复视的斜视矫正手术治疗效果。方法回顾性系列病例研究。选取2016年3月至2018年10月在天津市眼科医院因TAO行眼眶减压术后继发内斜视伴复视行斜视矫正手术治疗的11例患者资料。斜视矫正手术前、后检查患者斜视度数、眼球运动,观察复视情况。手术均在监护下麻醉联合局部麻醉下进行,术中采用被动牵拉试验结合调整缝线方法,调整至第一眼位复视消失。术后定期随访。结果11例患者中男性1例,女性10例;年龄26~42岁;均为单纯内斜视伴复视;内斜视度数10~98三棱镜度;眼眶CT提示患者内直肌不同程度增厚,外直肌增厚程度较内直肌轻。2例患者行单眼内直肌后徙术,2例行双眼内直肌后徙术,2例行单眼内直肌后徙联合外直肌缩短术,另外5例行双眼内直肌后徙联合单眼外直肌缩短术。11例患者术中内直肌后徙量为3.5~7.5 mm,7例联合外直肌缩短术患者外直肌缩短量为2.0~6.0 mm。全部患者术后复视消除,第一眼位正位,均达到治愈标准。眼球运动术前外转受限分级为(-1.91±1.04)级,术后外转受限分级为(-0.64±0.81)级。11例患者均对手术结果满意,术后随访6~24个月,效果稳定,未发现远期过矫患者。结论应用术中调整缝线技术,斜视矫正手术可以有效治疗TAO眼眶减压术后继发的内斜视伴复视。     

Orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy by inferomedial, by inferomedial plus lateral, and by coronal approach

To test the efficacy and safety of orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy, the authors studied the records of 60 consecutive patients who were operated on for dysthyroid optic neuropathy or for rehabilitative purposes. Patients decompressed for neuropathy were older, had less proptosis, and a shorter duration of eye disease than patients operated on for disfigurement. The authors compared the results of three surgical procedures including the inferomedial, the inferomedial plus lateral, and the coronal approach. Regarding improvement of visual function, no difference was found between the three techniques. Patients in whom vision failed to recover had a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Proptosis reduction varied from 1 to 9 mm, depending on the number of walls decompressed. There was no net change in the prevalence of diplopia. Persistent complications were seen in less than 5% of all decompressions. The authors conclude that orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy is safe and efficacious, regardless of surgical procedure. However, the coronal approach gives the best cosmetic results.     

Isolated Caruncular Approach for Orbital Decompression

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the isolated caruncular approach to orbital decompression of thyroid ophthalmopathy.Methods In a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series, we reviewed the records of 29 patients (48 orbits) who had thyroid ophthalmopathy and had undergone orbital decompression using the caruncular approach. The medial wall was decompressed in two patients (three orbits), and the medial and inferior walls were decompressed in 27 patients (45 orbits).Results The mean retrodisplacement achieved was 2.7mm of decompression of the medial wall, and 4.2mm of decompression of the medial and inferior walls. Diplopia arose in the primary position in 4 of 17 previously asymptomatic patients. Persistent postdecompression strabismus was managed successfully with adjustable strabismus surgery. Other complications were minimal, including a hypertrophic scar in one eye and a pyogenic granuloma in another.Conclusions Orbital decompression using the isolated caruncular approach offers rapid access to the medial and inferior orbital walls and makes graded decompression possible in each case. It is a useful approach for patients wishing surgery for cosmetic purposes and for those with compressive optic neuropathy as well. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2004;48:397–403 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2004     

Results of orbital decompression in Taiwan

Orbital decompression was performed on 116 orbits with Graves' ophthalmopathy. The indications for decompression were dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), recalcitrant corneal exposure (EXP) and disfiguring exophthalmos (COS). All cases but one (in the DON group) had improved or unchanged vision. The average retinal sensitivity improvement in the DON group was 6.7 +/- 6.1 dB and 85% had a significant retinal sensitivity improvement (>5 dB). The average retroplacement effect was 4.4 +/- 2.1 mm and only five cases (7%) had postoperative asymmetry of more than 2 mm by Hertel's exophthalmometry. The most frequent sequela was diplopia, which tended to occur in more severely myopathic eyes. In our series, 21% (10/48 cases without preoperative diplopia) developed diplopia after decompressive surgery. Hypoglobus is another complication, noted in two cases, which was successfully repositioned. In conclusion, decompressive surgery is a safe and effective procedure to restore vision and reduce exophthalmos in Graves' ophthalmopathy. Careful evaluation of clinical parameters, individualization of surgical goals and intraoperative titration of the retroplacement effect are the key to optimal results.     

Preliminary report: long-term results of transnasal orbital decompression in malignant Graves' ophthalmopathy

In order to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of transnasal orbital decompression for malignant Graves' ophthalmopathy, we carried out a retrospective chart review and clinical follow-up examination of 78 consecutive patients who were operated on for compressive optic neuropathy (CON) with loss of visual acuity or visual field defects. The intervention - strictly transnasal, endoscopically controlled, bilateral decompression of the medial and inferomedial wall of the orbit - was performed when medical and radiation therapy had failed. A total of 145 endonasal decompressions were performed on 78 patients (63 female, 15 male, 52. 2 +/- 10.5 yrs.) over 9 years. Of these, 65 were operated bilaterally, 15 required only unilateral decompression; 4 had repeated surgery. Visual acuity increased from an average of 0.50 +/- 0.27 (range, 0.01 - 1.25) to 0.75 +/- 0.21 (range, 0.01 - 1.25). Proptosis decreased by an average of 3.94 +/- 2.73 mm (range, -1.0 - 11.0 mm), from a mean preoperative Hertel measurement of 22.19 +/- 3. 13 mm (range, 15 - 34 mm) to a mean postoperative Hertel measurement of 18.3 +/- 2.65 mm (range, 10 - 26 mm). Ocular motility was corrected by recession of the medial rectus muscle in 58 cases, in 26 cases immediately after decompression in the same surgical session. The transnasal orbital decompression procedure improved vision, decreased proptosis in a range comparable to more invasive techniques and had favorable cosmetic results without additional disfiguring by scars. Post-decompression strabismus was successfully managed by recession of both medial orbital muscles in the same surgical session.     

Customized, single-incision, three-wall orbital decompression

PURPOSE: To present the clinical outcome in 55 consecutive patients by using a customized, single-incision, 3-wall orbital decompression. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 97 customized, single-incision, 3-wall decompressions in 55 consecutive patients within one surgeon's practice. A standardized surgical technique featuring lateral small-incision, 3-wall decompression with specific "strut" preservation was used in all patients. Success of the procedure was assessed on the basis of the amount of proptosis reduction achieved, as measured by the difference in Hertel exophthalmometry measurements, and by improvement in or preservation of preoperative visual acuity and color vision in the setting of compressive optic neuropathy. Subjective diplopia was recorded before and after surgery, as was the presence of extraocular muscle restriction. RESULTS: A total of 97 orbital decompressions in 55 consecutive patients were reviewed. The majority of surgeries were performed for disfiguring proptosis with some degree of exposure-related symptoms (81%), with other indications including compressive optic neuropathy (17%), and pain (2%). The average amount of proptosis reduction achieved at 3 months was 5 mm (range, 1 to 11 mm). Visual acuity in patients with compressive optic neuropathy improved an average of 2 lines on the standard Snellen chart testing (range, 1 to 5). Color vision improved an average of 5 Ishihara plates (range, 0 to 13). Seventy-one percent of patients had subjective diplopia before surgery; 21% of these patients reported improvement or complete resolution of diplopia after surgery. Of the 29% of patients without preoperative subjective diplopia, all but one (1.8 of total patients) remained symptom free. CONCLUSIONS: We find that a customized, single-incision, 3-wall orbital decompression provides adequate decompression and proptosis reduction while minimizing postoperative strabismus and providing an aesthetically desirable result.     

Orbital decompression surgery for the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy: comparison of different techniques and long-term results

AIM: To evaluate the long-term results of different orbital decompression techniques performed in patients with Graves'' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS: Totally 170 cases with GO underwent orbital decompression between 1994 and 2014. Patients were divided into 4 groups as medial-inferior, medial-lateral (balanced), medial-lateral-inferior, and lateral only according to the applied surgical technique. Surgical indications, regression degrees on Hertel exophthalmometer, new-onset diplopia in the primary gaze and new-onset gaze-evoked diplopia after surgery and visual acuity in cases with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) were compared between different surgical techniques. RESULTS: The study included 248 eyes of 149 patients. The mean age for surgery was 42.3±13.2y. DON was the surgical indication in 36.6% of cases, and three-wall decompression was the most preferred technique in these cases. All types of surgery significantly decrease the Hertel values (P<0.005). Balanced medial-lateral, and only lateral wall decompression caused the lowest rate of postoperative new-onset diplopia in primary gaze. The improvement of visual acuity in patients with DON did not significantly differ between the groups (P=0.181). CONCLUSION: The study show that orbital decompression surgery has safe and effective long term results for functional and cosmetic rehabilitation of GO. It significantly reduces Hertel measurements in disfiguring proptosis and improves visual functions especially in DON cases.     

Strabismus after balanced medial plus lateral wall versus lateral wall only orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the relative incidence and time course of new-onset strabismus after balanced medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression versus decompression of the lateral wall alone for dysthyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: The study design was a retrospective nonrandomized comparative case series. Thirty-two consecutive patients underwent balanced medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression or lateral wall orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy. The incidence, duration, and treatment of postoperative strabismus was recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Significant preoperative strabismus was present in 31% (4/13 patients) of the balanced decompression group and in 26% (5/19 patients) of the lateral wall decompression group. Only 25% (1/4) of cases of preexisting strabismus in the balanced decompression group resolved postoperatively without muscle surgery, whereas 60% (3/5) of cases in the lateral wall decompression group resolved postoperatively without surgery. Preoperative strabismus was absent in 69% (9/13) of patients in the balanced decompression group and in 74% (14/19) of patients in the lateral wall decompression group. New-onset, persistent postoperative strabismus developed in 33% (3/9) of patients in the balanced decompression group and in 7% (1/14) of patients in the lateral wall decompression group. CONCLUSION: Lateral wall orbital decompression may produce less new-onset, persistent postoperative strabismus than balanced medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy.     

Role of botulinum toxin A in diplopia following orbital decompression

Diplopia following orbital decompression is a common complication in Graves' ophthalmopathy. Strabismus surgery is often required to treat the persistent diplopia. The author presents a successful treatment with botulinum toxin A injection in a case of diplopia following orbital decompression. Treatment with botulinum toxin A in the management of new-onset diplopia following orbital decompression has been suggested in a case that is not amenable to prism treatment and may eliminate strabismus surgery in some cases.     

Zwei-Wand-Dekompression ohne Resektion der medialen Wand

Background

Postoperative new onset diplopia can be a disadvantage for surgical orbital decompression in patients with exophthalmos in thyroid eye disease. The various modifications of decompression (number and combination of walls) differ in their influence on the postoperative squint angle. We report on postoperative diplopia in a modified 2 wall decompression strategy (lateral wall and floor).

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of 36 consecutive 2-wall decompressions performed between 2006?C2010 in 24 patients with 6 months of stable exophthalmos in thyroid eye disease after medical therapy and radiotherapy. The preoperative and postoperative squint angle in prism cover test (PCT), motility, induction of diplopia, reduction of exophthalmos, visual acuity and complications were evaluated.

Results

In all 36 decompressions the postoperative squint angle was equal to or less than before surgery. In 8 eyes additional squint surgery was performed. The mean reduction in exopthalmos was 4.3?mm.

Conclusions

An adverse effect of decompression on the postoperative squint angle was not evident in this study. New induction of diplopia was not observed at all. One possible explanation is the preservation of the medial wall.