Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of a restricted (antral-ethmoidal) orbital decompression in the treatment of dysthyroid orbitopathy. Methods: 14 patients (10 female), with a mean age of 41.7 years, were submitted to 22 orbital decompressions. Three surgeries (2 patients) were performed in the congestive phase of the disease due to severe corneal ulceration. These patients were receiving corticosteroids associated with radiotheraphy and cyclophosphamide and continued these treatments after surgery. Nineteen orbits were operated on during the inactive phase of the ophthalmopathy in order to improve ocular discomfort and for cosmetic reasons. Surgeries were performed by a superior approach, using a conjunctival incision in 19 and a palpebral one in 3. Results: Reduction of proptosis ranged from 1 to 6 mm (average 3.91 mm). Mean reduction was 5.33 ± 0.27 mm in the patients operated on in the acute phase and 3.68 ± 0.25 mm in those operated on in the inactive phase of the ophthalmopathy. None developed diplopia as a result of the surgery. Surgical correction of preexistent strabismus was performed in two patients and temporary blepharorraphy was associated with the decompression in the cases operated on in the acute phase. Six patients were subsequently submitted to surgical correction of preexistent lid retraction. In one, inferior lid retraction worsened as a result of the lid incision. Transient loss of sensitivity in the cheek was common but not permanent. Conclusions: Antral-ethmoidal orbital decompression is efficient in reducing proptosis in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and is associated with a very low incidence of complications. Combined with other treatment modalities it can be helpful in severe cases in the acute phase and in the cosmetic rehabilitation of patients with residual proptosis.
Orbital diseases; Decompression; Exophthalmos; Graves' disease
