PURPOSE: To compare the results of isolated antral-ethmoidal orbital decompression and that associated with orbital fat removal in patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: Nineteen isolated antral-ethmoidal orbital decompressions were performed in a group of 12 patients (19 orbits) with the diagnosis of dysthyroid ophthalmopathy in the quiescent stage. The same procedure, but in association with orbital fat removal, were performed in another group of 8 patients (10 orbits) also with the diagnosis of dysthyroid ophthalmopathy in the quiescent stage. The results of both groups were compared. RESULTS: In the first group the amount of retroplacement of the globe achieved 1-5 mm (mean 3.68±1.10 mm) and in the second group it achieved 1-5 mm (mean 3.25±1.36 mm). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the results of the isolated antral-ethmoidal orbital decompression and that associated with orbital fat removal. The removal of 1ml of seems not to improve the retroplacement of the globe as an association with a 2-wall orbital decompression. However, many conditions must be considered to conclude any comparison between the two orbital decompression techniques, such as orbital soft tissue compliance, amount of fat removal and size of bone opening.
Graves' disease; Decompression, surgical; Orbit; Ethmoid bone; Lipectomy; Comparative study; Retrospective studies
