Trends in Orbital Decompression Techniques of Surveyed American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Members

[Interdisciplinary Management of Orbital Diseases]

Diagnosis and therapy of orbital diseases is an interdisciplinary challenge, in which i.e. otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, radiation therapists, maxillo-facial surgeons, endocrinologists, and pediatricians are involved. This review article describes frequent diseases which both, otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists are concerned with in interdisciplinary settings. In particular the inflammatory diseases of the orbit including orbital complications, autoimmunological diseases of the orbit including Grave´s orbitopathy, and primary and secondary tumors of the orbit are discussed. Beside describing the clinical characteristics and diagnostic steps the article focusses on the interdisciplinary therapy. The review is completed by the presentation of most important surgical approaches to the orbit, their indications and possible complications. The authors tried to highlight the relevant facts despite the shortness of the text.

Effect of orbital wall resection areas in the treatment of patients with endocrine orbitopathy

In patients treated by orbital wall decompression for endocrine orbitopathy (EO) there is limited evidence on the effect of orbital wall resections. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of one, two, and three-wall resections on orbital parameters to determine if any such correlations exist. Preoperative and postoperative data from all patients at a tertiary care centre who underwent decompression surgery from 2010 - 2020 were digitally analysed. The effect of the number and area of resected walls on orbital area, orbital volume, and Hertel value, and the effect of lateral rim advancement (LARA) were determined. A total of 131 orbital areas showed an increase from a mean (SD) preoperative area of 42.0 (4.6) cm² to 47.3 (6.1) cm² postoperatively (p<0.001). In total, the mean (SD) area of osseous wall removed in all patients was 6.2 (1.7) cm² at the lateral orbit (n = 129), 6.7 (2.3) cm² at the orbital floor (n = 123), and 5.8 (1.8) cm² at the medial orbital wall (n =30). The mean (SD) orbital volume increased by 6.0 (3.0) cm³ after decompression. There was also a significant reduction in exophthalmos of 7.3 (3.2) mm (from 25.2 (3.9) to 17.9 (3.5), p<0.001). LARA was performed in 50 patients. Changes in volume and area, and reduction in exophthalmos were not significantly different with or without LARA. The postoperative effects of orbital wall resection are predictable and exhibit a relation with six units of change. Two-wall resection is the most common intervention.

Changes in Eyelid Parameters after Orbital Decompression According to the Surgical Approach in Thyroid Eye Disease

Purpose

To evaluate the changes in eyelid parameters after the endonasal approach compared with transcaruncular medial wall decompression combined with the transconjunctival inferior wall decompression approach with inferomedial strut preservation.

Methods

In total, 71 patients with thyroid eye disease who underwent orbital decompression were retrospectively evaluated. The data collected included Hertel exophthalmometry, marginal reflex distance 1, marginal reflex distance 2, interpalpebral fissure, levator function test measures, and complications related to surgery.

Results

Proptosis reduction produced a statistically significant improvement across all decompression groups. Lower eyelid retraction produced a statistically significant improvement in the two-wall decompression groups but not in the one-wall decompression groups. No statistical difference was observed in the upper eyelid retraction and levator function after surgery across all decompression groups. In the post-hoc analysis, statistical improvement was not observed in the lower eyelid retraction between the endonasal and transcaruncular approach in the one-wall and two-wall decompression groups, although statistically significant exophthalmos reduction and improvement in the lower eyelid retraction was noted in the two-wall decompression subgroups compared with one-wall decompression subgroups.

Conclusions

Our study showed no differences in eyelid parameters between the endonasal and transcaruncular decompression approaches in one-wall and two-wall decompression. In the two-wall decompression group, proptosis reduction was greater with the endonasal approach than with the transcaruncular approach when the strut was preserved; however, it does not lead to a significant difference in the improvement of lower eyelid retraction.

Deep lateral orbital decompression for Graves orbitopathy: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature on the deep lateral orbital decompression (DLD).

METHODS

The authors searched the MEDLINE, Lilac, Scopus, and EMBASE databases for all articles in English, Spanish, and French that used as keywords the terms orbital decompression and lateral wall. Two articles in German were also included. Data retrieved included the number of patients and orbits operated, types of the approach employed, exophthalmometric and horizontal eye position changes, and complications. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the mean Hertel changes induced by the surgery were calculated from series with 15 or more data.

RESULTS

Of the 204 publications initially retrieved, 131 were included. Detailed surgical techniques were analyzed from 59 articles representing 4559 procedures of 2705 patients. In 45.8% of the reports, the orbits were decompressed ab-interno. Ab-externo and rim-off techniques were used in 25.4% and 28.8% of the orbits, respectively. Mean and 95% CI intervals of Hertel changes, pooled from 15 articles, indicate that the effect of the surgery is not related to the technique and ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 mm. The rate of new onset of diplopia varied from zero to 8.6%. Several complications have been reported including dry eye, oscillopsia, temporal howling, lateral rectus damage, and bleeding. Unilateral amaurosis and subdural hematoma have been described in only one patients each.

CONCLUSIONS

The low rate of new-onset diplopia is the main benefit of DLD. Prospective studies are needed to compare the rate of complications induced by the 3 main surgical techniques used.

Endoscopic versus external dacryocystorhinostomy: temporal and regional trends in the United States Medicare population

Purpose: Endoscopic surgeries, such as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), are increasingly performed for orbital and lacrimal conditions. This study describes and compares recent trends in endoscopic DCR with open, or external, DCR in the United States (US). Methods: Medicare-Part-B National Summary data files were analyzed from 2000 to 2015 for temporal and geographic trends in endoscopic and external DCR. Medicare Physician and Other Supplier public use files detailing provider information were collected and analyzed from 2012 to 2015. Results: Between 2000 and 2015, the number of external DCRs remained relatively unchanged (8008 to 7086, -0.7% average annual growth), while the number of endoscopic DCRs steadily increased (881 to 1674, 4.6% average annual growth). The greatest number of endoscopic DCRs were performed in the South Atlantic region, whereas the Mountain region had the greatest number per capita. From 2000 to 2015, the average payment per procedure for external DCR was $526.63, compared with $512.45 for endoscopic DCR. Of endoscopic DCRs performed from 2012 to 2015, 831 (79%) were performed by Ophthalmology, 184 (18%) were performed by Otolaryngology, and the remainder by other subspecialties. Conclusions: The number of endoscopic DCR surgeries increased over the last 15 years while the number of external DCR surgeries remained stable and continued to surpass endoscopic procedures. While ophthalmologists perform the overwhelming majority of endoscopic DCR, otolaryngologists are performing a growing number.

Practice Patterns in Orbital Decompression Surgery Among American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Members

INTRODUCTION

Orbital decompression surgery for thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) has evolved greatly over the past decades with the development of new surgical techniques and strategies for patient management. However, randomized controlled trials comparing surgical approaches are lacking. The goal of this study was to report the current preferred practices among American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons (ASOPRS) members for orbital decompression surgery for TAO, including surgical techniques and perioperative patient management.

METHODS

An anonymous electronic survey consisting of 21 questions was sent to the current membership of the ASOPRS, leading to 170 responses in total (response rate: 23.7%). Questions regarding preoperative and postoperative care as well as surgical technique were included.

RESULTS

54.2% of the respondents prefer two-wall surgery as their initial procedure of choice. Of these, 53.8% prefer balanced lateral and medial decompression as the two-walled procedure of choice, and 44.0% prefer the orbital floor and medial wall. Steroids are routinely used preoperatively by 35.9% and postoperatively by 69.2%. Antibiotics are used preoperatively by 32.9% and postoperatively by 56.4% of respondents.

CONCLUSION

Practice patterns for orbital decompression surgery continue to vary widely among ASOPRS members, but balanced medial and lateral wall decompression has gained in popularity as compared to prior studies. Postoperative steroids are preferred by a majority of members.

Perceptions and use of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) in the orbit

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) plays a prominent role in certain surgical disciplines. We investigated the current perceptions and use of this technology for orbital surgery. An online survey was emailed to members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Canadian Society of Oculoplastic Surgery, and British Oculoplastic Surgery Society. Respondents were asked to describe their practice type and seniority, their frequency of orbital surgery, experience, use, and accessibility of CAS, and their opinion on the technology. There were a total of 151 responses across the societies. 105 respondents (69.5%) had been in attending/consultant practice for over 10 years, with over half (54.7%) working in academic/teaching hospitals. The majority (66.7%) had superficial or no experience with CAS. In total, 84.8% of respondents rarely or never use CAS for orbital surgery (n = 128). Posterior orbital surgery (64.2%) and orbital decompression (49.0%) were the two most useful reasons to implement CAS. Longer operating time (58.3%) and cost (54.8%) were the two most selected weaknesses for CAS, whereas improved accuracy in attaining surgical end point(s) (80.8%) and patient safety (63.6%) were the principal advantages. Type of practice was significantly associated with CAS availability/accessibility (p < 0.05). Proportion of orbital surgery performed in practice was significantly associated with both CAS experience and use (p < 0.05). Our study confirms an expected variation in the perception and use of CAS for orbital surgery. Demonstrated patient benefit and integration of refined and cost-effective CAS systems into operating room environments may influence its future role.

Orbital decompression in the system of treatment for complicated thyroid eye disease: case report and literature review

Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the orbital volume and/or decreasing the volume of the orbital fat. The indications for orbital decompression are determined in the course of thorough eye examination. An important objective of examination of a patient with thyroid eye disease (TED) is determination of inflammation activity and severity. Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure that can be performed in both the active and nonactive stages of the disease. However, the indications for the surgery in these cases are different. Optic neuropathy and severe corneal disease are threatening complications that may lead to permanent visual loss and generally occur in the presence of active orbital inflammation. If treatment with high-dose corticosteroids has proven ineffective, an urgent surgical procedure consisting of orbital decompression and, in case of involvement of the cornea, eyelid and corneal surgery has to be performed. Owing to significant progress in technology, improvement of methods and accumulated experience over the past decade, the indications for bone orbital decompression have extended compared to the time when this procedure was used only in patients with extremely severe TED. The most common complication of the orbital decompression is the development or deterioration of previously existing binocular diplopia and strabismus. In addition, other parameters may change as well, including the position of the globe, the eyelids, the angle of deviation of the eye, and intraocular pressure. Thus, bone orbital decompression is a major step of a comprehensive, often multistage, system of rehabilitation of patients with severe refractory TED.

Retrospective Analysis of Physician-based Surveys Published in OPRS

PURPOSE

To review physician-based clinical surveys published in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

METHODS

Complementary Ovid and PubMed searches of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal content were performed for the term "survey." Results were narrowed to studies that specifically addressed physicians' clinical practices. This search resulted in 162 articles, and after dual-investigator independent screening, 13 surveys met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 13 surveys published from 2007 to January 2017, 6 were published since 2015, showing an increased trend in survey-based publications. Topics included assessing practice patterns regarding eyelid disorders, thyroid eye disease, optic nerve sheath fenestration, anophthalmic socket, and diagnosing lacrimal disorders. Average response rate was 38.7% (range 17.5-60%), with 201 average number of replies (range 72-310). Nine out of 13 surveys included some form of statistical analysis with the remainder presenting data in percentages.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been an increased rate of survey-type publications in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery over the past 10 years. The low response rate and frequent lack of statistical analysis raise concerns regarding the validity and usefulness of such studies. The authors believe that survey studies can be improved through better standardization and the use of author guidelines. They have made specific recommendations to improve the impact of survey papers in the future.

Balanced (endoscopic medial and transcutaneous lateral) orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy

BACKGROUND

To determine the clinical outcomes and morbidity of endoscopic medial wall combined with transcutaneous lateral orbital wall decompression in Graves' orbitopathy.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective noncomparative case series of patients who underwent surgical decompression for Graves' orbitopathy at Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada between 2004 and 2014 was performed. We reviewed the patients' charts and analyzed before and after the decompression, the visual acuity (Snellen chart), optic nerve compression (fundoscopy and optic coherence tomography), exophthalmometry (Hertel measurement), ocular motility, diplopia, eyelid surgery needed after decompression and its possible complications.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients (36 orbits) were operated. The mean follow-up was 44 months (range 18-84). Vision improved dramatically in all compressive optic neuropathy cases (5 cases). Hertel measurements improved on average 3.5 mm (range 1.5-4.5). Diplopia was cured in eight patients (40%) and nine patients with severe preoperative diplopia required strabismus surgery after decompression. Eyelid surgery was further needed in 13 patients. Hyaluronic acid injection was the most used technique for the treatment of eyelid retraction (6 out of 13 patients). Only two major complications were observed: one case had a major post-operative epistaxis and another a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Both were resolved without further sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that endoscopic medial wall combined with transcutaneous lateral wall orbital decompression is an effective and safe treatment for the symptomatic dysthyroid eye disease with important proptosis or compressive optic neuropathy.

[Orbital decompression : Indications, technique, results]

Orbital decompression is an effective surgical procedure to reduce intraorbital pressure. Causes may diseases leading to rapid pressure increases, e. g., bleedings, and those causing slower, progressive pressure increases, e. g., tumors or Graves' orbitopathy. During fat tissue decompression, peri- and retrobulbar adipose tissue is removed; in bony decompression, one or more bony orbital walls are removed (one-, two-, or three-wall decompression). In many cases the procedures are combined. Recent developments are the transconjunctival approaches for removing parts of bony orbital walls. Complications include double vision, which occurs in up to 30% of cases depending on the approach, hemorrhage, infections, development of chronic sinusitis, and iatrogenic skull base lesions with consecutive meningitis. In the hands of an experienced rhino- and head and neck surgeon, the intervention has low complication rates.

Update on Graves disease: advances in treatment of mild, moderate and severe thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To report the most recent therapeutic advances of thyroid eye disease (TED) and offer general recommendations for management of TED.

RECENT FINDINGS

Treatment of Graves ophthalmopathy is traditionally based on the use of high doses of corticosteroids and/or radiotherapy (RT) to decrease the activity of the disease, with the subsequent proptosis, strabismus and eyelid deformites treated with different surgical procedures. In recent years, the evidence that oxidative stress plays a relevant role in exacerbating TED severity has encouraged the use of antioxydative agents such as selenium, which has shown a capacity in limiting the disease progression. In addition, reports have shown the effectiveness of biological immunosuppressive agents in the management of TED. The main advantage of these medications seems to be the long lasting effects, which may reduce recurrence, and effectiveness in steroid-resistant cases. The reported increased accuracy of imaging techniques in evaluating fat and muscle volumes may provide useful information for surgical management.

SUMMARY

The use of selenium, in mild TED, seems to limit disease progression without carrying the risk of relevant side-effects. Biological agents may provide an effective and long lasting block of the inflammatory activity of TED, with a possible lower risk of recurrence and reduction in the need for surgical intervention in moderate-to-severe disease. The accurate evaluation of fat and muscle volume, using a recently published algorithm for imaging, gives relevant information for preoperative assessment, allowing the customization of orbital decompression.

Sight preserving orbital decompression: a novel multidisciplinary approach to managing severe proptosis in neurofibromatosis type 2

We describe the importance of collaboration between multiple surgical specialties in managing a complex case of sight-threatening severe proptosis in a young woman with type 2 neurofibromatosis (NF2) complicated by pre-existing contralateral blindness. Trans-nasal and lateral orbital surgical approaches were aided by stereotactic navigation to debulk a large frontal/sphenoid wing meningioma, which had been exerting pressure onto the right globe and optic nerve. The patient made an excellent postoperative recovery along with preserved residual visual acuity, normal neurology and a good aesthetic outcome.