Effects of bilateral orbital decompression by an endoscopic endonasal approach in dysthyroid orbitopathy

Endoscopic Orbital Decompression for Graves' Orbitopathy - A Vietnam Study

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic orbital decompression in patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective study in Hanoi Medical University and a Military Hospital from December 2017 to December 2018. Twenty-eight orbits of fifteen patients were undergoing endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy. Indications for surgery were proptosis in twenty-two orbits and compressive optic neuropathy in six orbits. The outcome measures were proptosis reduction, visual acuity, visual field test and diplopia. Post-operative complications including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, haemorrhage, lacrimal duct impairment, worsening diplopia, sinusitis and cellulitis were collected.

Results

The mean proptosis reduction was 2.23 mm. Visual acuity and medium deviation in the Humphrey visual field were significantly improved in four of six eyes with compressive optic neuropathy. There was one patient with intra-operative excessive bleeding which resolved without affecting visual outcome. Post-operatively, two patients developed a new onset of diplopia and two others worsened diplopia; three have already undergone successful strabismus surgery and moderate proptosis reduction.

Conclusion

Endoscopic orbital decompression surgery was effectively and safely to manage compressive optic neuropathy of Graves' orbitopathy and moderately reduce proptosis in a group of Vietnamese patients.

Comparison of 2-wall versus 3-wall orbital decompression against dysthyroid optic neuropathy in visual function: A retrospective study in a Chinese population

To compare visual function of 2-wall (medial and lateral) versus 3-wall (medial, lateral, and inferior) orbital decompression in patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).A total of 52 eyes of 37 patients underwent orbital decompression for DON between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Two- or 3-wall decompression was performed in 31 eyes of 23 patients and 21 eyes of 14 patients, respectively. We examined best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD), pattern-reversed visual evoked potential (PVEP) for P100 latency and amplitude at 60 and 15 arcmin stimulation checkerboard size, as well as proptosis using Hertel exophthalmometry.Whether 2-wall or 3-wall decompression, all parameters of visual function were improved after surgery (all P < .05). The improvement in BCVA, MD, and PSD was not statistically significant between groups (all P > .05). Proptosis reduction was higher after 3-wall decompression (P = .011). Mean increase in P100 amplitude after 3-wall decompression was statistically higher than that of after 2-wall decompression at 60 and 15 arcmin (P = .045 and .020, respectively), while the mean decrease in P100 latency was similar between the groups (P = .821 and .655, respectively). Six patients (66.67%) had persistent postoperative diplopia and 1 patient (20%) had new-onset diplopia in 3-wall decompression group, which were higher than in 2-wall decompression group (46.15% persistent postoperative diplopia and no new-onset diplopia).Both 2-wall and 3-wall decompression can effectively improve visual function of patients with DON. Three-wall decompression provides better improvement in P100 amplitude and proptosis, however new-onset diplopia is more common with this surgical technique.

Orbital anatomical parameters affecting outcome of deep lateral orbital wall decompression

PURPOSE

To determine orbital anatomical parameters that affect surgical outcome of deep lateral orbital wall decompression.

METHODS

Twenty orbits of 20 patients with moderate proptosis (maximum 25 mm) due to thyroid eye disease who were stable for at least 6 months were included in this prospective cohort study. Four parameters including lateral orbital wall distance (LOWD), removable surface area (RSA), removable surface length (RSL), and sphenoid door jamb thickness (SDJ) were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan prior to surgery in these patients. Deep lateral orbital wall decompression without fat removal was done in all patients. Relationship between all these factors and proptosis reduction, 6 months after surgery was assessed.

RESULTS

Mean proptosis before decompression surgery (mean ± SD) was 23.22 ± 1.19 mm and reduction in Hertel exophthalmometry (mean ± SD) was -3.27 ± 1.03 mm (p = 0.006). Pearson correlation showed that LOWD, RSL, and SDJ had statistically significant correlation with proptosis reduction (p = 0.017, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively.). Linear multivariate regression analysis showed SDJ as the only independent factor in predicting surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

several orbital anatomical factors have significant role in predicting surgical outcome following deep lateral wall orbital decompression. Among these parameters, SDJ is an independent factor, whereas LOWD and RSL are dependent factors. Preoperative assessment of the bony sphenoid anatomy may be helpful in predicting the amount of potential decompression.

Long-term follow-up of patients with thyroid eye disease treated with endoscopic orbital decompression

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic decompression in a series of patients with thyroid eye disease.

METHODS

All 46 patients operated at our institution in the period 2001 to 2011 were invited for re-examination. Thirty-seven patients were included in the study and underwent a general otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological examination. Nasal endoscopy, autoperimetry and a CT scan of the orbits and paranasal sinuses were performed. Preoperative and early postoperative data were obtained from hospital records. Re-examination was performed from 12 months to 9 years postoperatively. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the change in pre- and postoperative data. Image-guided surgery was used in two patients.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improved from a median value (range) of 0.8 (0.05-1.25) to 1.0 (0.4-1.25) (p=0.006). Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a median value (range) of 18 mmHg (10-27 mmHg) to 14 mmHg (8-24 mmHg) (p<0.001). Median (range) Hertel values were 22.5 mm (14-29 mm) preoperatively and 19 mm (11-26 mm) postoperatively (p<0.001). Mean reduction in proptosis was 4.0 mm. At follow-up, visual fields were normal in 16/37 patients (43%) and with small defects in 12/37 patients (32%). Seventeen patients (46%) had diplopia preoperatively in one or more directions of gaze while 9 (24%) suffered from constant diplopia. After endoscopic decompression, new onset diplopia was seen in seven (19%) individuals, while worsening of diplopia occurred in eight (22%). Impaired motility in abduction and/or elevation was seen in 20 (54%) individuals before decompression and in 23 (62%) after. Strabismus surgery was performed in 22 patients. On final examination 85% of the study population were totally free of diplopia or experienced diplopia only in the peripheral field of gaze. Three patients developed sinusitis. Of these, endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in two patients, and one patient was conservatively treated. Symptoms resolved in all three patients.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic medial orbital decompression including removal of the medial floor of the orbit is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of thyroid eye disease. Navigation can be of valuable help to ensure complete resection of the bony walls. However, the majority of patients will need subsequent strabismus surgery, mainly due to significant increase of esotropia.

Reduction of orbital inflammation following decompression for thyroid-related orbitopathy

Purpose. Thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO) is associated with inflammation, expansion of orbital fat, enlargement of extraocular muscles, and optic neuropathy (ON). We examined the effects of orbital decompression on the inflammatory and congestive signs of TRO in patients who underwent emergent orbital decompression. Methods. This retrospective, consecutive study included patients with ON from TRO who underwent orbital decompression. Pre- and postoperative orbital inflammatory signs in the operated and nonoperated, contralateral eyes were graded with the 10-item clinical activity score (CAS). Results. Thirty-one orbits were included. Postoperatively, 22 patients and 29 orbits had resolution of ON while the remaining 2 patients had improvement in visual acuity. Mean preoperative CAS was 9.5 ± 0.4. At 12 months, postoperative CAS was 2.1 ± 0.6 (P < 0.01) in the operated eye and 3.2 ± 0.5 (P < 0.05) in the nonoperated, contralateral eye. Conclusion. In our series, 94% of orbits had resolution of ON. There was also a statistically significant postoperative reduction in the CAS in both the operated and nonoperated, contralateral eyes. This phenomenon may be due to lowered venous congestion, decreased intraorbital pressure, and diminution in inflammatory factors.

Endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy

AIM

To study the efficacy of endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression in cases of Graves' orbitopathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 24 orbits in 12 patients underwent endoscopic orbital decompression for graves orbitopathy in the period between October 2002 and December 2010. Indications for surgery included proptosis, corneal exposure, keratitis, and compressive optic neuropathy. Decompression was accomplished by the removal of the medial and part of inferior wall of the orbit and slitting of the orbital periosteum. Pre and postoperative exophthalmometry measurements and visual acuity were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A mean orbital regression of 3.70 mm was noted following endoscopic decompression. The visual acuity improved significantly in one of two eyes decompressed for failing visual acuity secondary to optic nerve compression. Transient diplopia was invariable following surgery but resolved over the next 8 weeks. One case manifested unilateral frontal sinus obstruction symptoms 4 months postoperatively and responded to medical therapy.

CONCLUSION

Endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression provides for an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for proptosis and visual loss of Graves Orbitopathy. Long-term problems with diplopia were not noted in the endonasal endoscopic approach for orbital decompression.

Transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression: 15-year clinical experience in Southern Taiwan

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To present the results and evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal orbital decompression from 1996 to 2010 in one institution. We included 42 orbits of 25 patients. Preoperative and postoperative examinations included visual acuity, Hertel exophthalmometry, tonometry, exposure keratitis, and diplopia. The measurements of outcome depend on proptosis reduction, intraocular pressure reduction, and visual acuity improvement of 42 orbits of 25 patients.

RESULTS

There were no surgical complications for the 42 orbital decompressions except one patient experienced cerebrospinal fluid leak during the operation. Mean proptosis reduction in all orbits was 1.93 ± 0.25 (mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.01) after 1 month postoperatively and 2.07 ± 0.29 (p < 0.01) after 3 months postoperatively. An average reduction of intraocular pressure was 4.40 ± 0.72 (p < 0.01) and 4.38 ± 0.80 (p < 0.01) respectively after 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Visual acuity increased from a preoperative average of 0.45 ± 0.34 to 0.66 ± 0.36 and 0.70 ± 0.35 after 1 and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, postoperative relief of exposure keratitis is also noted.

CONCLUSION

The transnasal orbital decompression procedure has statistically significant improvements in proptosis, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity. The procedure has obvious benefit in relieving exposure keratitis. Furthermore, there are favorable cosmetic results and rare complications.

Comparison of lateral and medial orbital decompression for the treatment of compressive optic neuropathy in thyroid eye disease

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of lateral orbital decompression with medial orbital decompression for the treatment of compressive optic neuropathy (CON) caused by thyroid eye disease (TED).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing orbital decompression for TED-associated CON between 2003 and 2008 was conducted. Clinical outcome measures included visual acuity, mean deviation on Humphrey visual field, Ishihara color plate testing, afferent pupillary defect, and Hertel exophthalmometry. A composite CON score was also calculated for each patient based on the 3 visual outcome measures, with a higher CON score reflecting greater disease severity.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight eyes of 17 patients were included in the study. Ten orbits underwent lateral wall decompression, and 18 orbits underwent medial decompression. Both groups showed a significant postoperative improvement in visual acuity, Humphrey visual field testing, and color testing at 3 months following the initial surgery. The composite CON score improved 9.04 ± 9.97 points after lateral decompression (p = 0.02) and 9.03 ± 10.84 points after medial decompression (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the degree of improvement in any of the visual outcome measures between the lateral and medial groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the amount of proptosis reduction resulting from lateral decompression compared with medial decompression (6.3 versus 3.1 mm, respectively, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral orbital decompression and medial orbital decompression are both efficacious for the treatment of TED-associated CON. Lateral decompression also results in a greater proptosis reduction than medial decompression.

Endoscopic orbital decompression for dyscosmetic thyroid eye disease

Aim:

To document the results of endoscopic orbital decompression performed in a group of patients with thyroid eye disease in order to improve cosmesis.

Methods:

A retrospective case review was performed of all patients who had undergone endoscopic orbital decompression for cosmesis in our departments during the period January 1996 to September 2002. A postal questionnaire was sent to all patients who had undergone the operation, in order to assess patient satisfaction.

Results:

Twenty orbits of 15 patients underwent endoscopic decompression. For all orbits, the reduction in proptosis was 3.7±2.2 mm (mean±standard deviation; t = 6.5, p = 0.001). For 16 of the endoscopic decompressions (89 per cent), patients reported that they were satisfied with the appearance of their eye post-operatively, and all patients reported a reduction in eye prominence post-operatively.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic decompression is an effective procedure for improving cosmesis in patients with inactive thyroid eye disease.

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.

Combined endoscopic medial and inferior orbital decompression with transcutaneous lateral orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical efficacy and morbidity of combined endoscopic transnasal medial and inferior wall orbital decompression performed in conjunction with transcutaneous lateral orbital decompression.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four subjects (64 orbits) underwent combined orbital decompression procedures for treatment of Graves' orbitopathy.

INTERVENTION

Transnasal endoscopic medial wall and floor with simultaneous transcutaneous lateral orbital decompression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Ocular motility, visual acuity, and exophthalmometry.

RESULTS

No new ocular motility disturbances occurred. There was a mean gain of 0.7 Snellen lines in acuity (range +9 to -10 lines). A mean proptosis reduction of 4.2 mm was observed (range 1-9 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined endoscopic transnasal medial and inferior orbital wall decompression done in conjunction with transcutaneous lateral orbital decompression carries a low risk of morbidity, including new onset motility disorders, and yields anatomic retropulsion of the globe that is comparable to other methods.

[Orbital decompression in endocrine orbitopathy: advantages and disadvantages of different methods]

Based on the disease activity score, current indications for orbital decompression are described. After that, all contemporary decompression techniques are mentioned and their advantages and disadvantages are described. Transpalpebral fat resection is also included. Results (reduction of proptosis, complications) are presented for the coronal and transconjunctival (swinging eyelid and transcaruncular orbitotomy) approach used by the author and discussed in comparison with other methods.

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: clinical features, pathogenesis, and management

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a progressive eye disorder characterized by immune-mediated inflammation of the extraocular muscles and orbital connective tissue. TAO is linked, in a unique way, with thyroid autoimmunity, in particular Graves' hyperthyroidism. Our working hypothesis for the pathogenesis of TAO is that recognition of a thyrotropin receptor (TSHR)-like protein in the orbital preadipocytes by antibodies may be the initial event leading to homing of lymphocytes into the orbital tissues. In the course of thyroid inflammation, antibodies and T cells reactive against G2s expressed in thyroid membranes cross-react with the protein in the eye muscle fiber, leading to eye muscle damage and dysfunction. Those patients with anti-G2s antibodies develop ocular myopathy. Antibodies against flavoprotein, the 64-kDa protein, which are produced in the context of eye muscle fiber damage and mitochondrial rupture, are sensitive markers of immune-mediated fiber necrosis in patients with ophthalmopathy but do not directly damage the eye muscle. Antibodies against type XIII collagen, which is localized in the plasma membranes of orbital fibroblast, may be a new marker for the congestive ophthalmopathy subtype of TAO. The measurement of antibodies against key eye muscle and orbital connective tissue autoantigens may have a role in the management of active ophthalmopathy and its prediction in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism.

Transconjunctival orbital decompression in Graves' ophthalmopathy: lateral wall approach ab interno

AIMS

A modified surgical technique is described to perform a one, two, or three wall orbital decompression in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

METHODS

The lateral wall was approached ab interno through a "swinging eyelid" approach (lateral canthotomy and lower fornix incision) and an extended periosteum incision along the inferior and lateral orbital margin. In addition, the orbital floor and medial wall were removed when indicated. To minimise the incidence of iatrogenic diplopia, the lateral and medial walls were used as the first surfaces of decompression, leaving the "medial orbital strut" intact. During 1998, this technique was used in a consecutive series of 19 patients (35 orbits) with compressive optic neuropathy (six patients), severe exposure keratopathy (one patient), or disfiguring/congestive Graves' ophthalmopathy (12 patients).

RESULTS

The preoperative Hertel value (35 eyes) was on average 25 mm (range 19-31 mm). The mean proptosis reduction at 2 months after surgery was 5.5 mm (range 3-7 mm). Of the total group of 19 patients, iatrogenic diplopia occurred in two (12.5%) of 16 patients who had no preoperative diplopia or only when tired. The three other patients with continuous preoperative diplopia showed no improvement of double vision after orbital decompression, even when the ocular motility (ductions) had improved. In the total group, there was no significant change of ductions in any direction at 2 months after surgery. All six patients with recent onset compressive optic neuropathy showed improvement of visual acuity after surgery. No visual deterioration related to surgery was observed in this study. A high satisfaction score (mean 8.2 on a scale of 1 to 10) was noted following the operation.

CONCLUSION

This versatile procedure is safe and efficacious, patient and cost friendly. Advantages are the low incidence of induced diplopia and periorbital hypaesthesia, the hidden and small incision, the minimal surgical trauma to the temporalis muscle, and fast patient recovery. The main disadvantage is the limited exposure of the posterior medial and lateral wall.

Delayed orbital infection after endoscopic orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy

OBJECTIVE

To present a delayed complication of endoscopic orbital decompression that has not been reported previously in the literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective non-comparative small case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Three patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy.

INTERVENTION

The medical records of patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy who underwent endoscopic orbital decompression and subsequently developed orbital infection were reviewed.

RESULTS

Three patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy developed orbital infection (cellulitis or abscess) originating from the frontal sinus more than 2 years after their endoscopic orbital decompression surgery. Management required drainage of the abscess, administration of antibiotics, and creation of adequate frontal sinus drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed orbital infection can occur after endoscopic orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy when the frontal sinus ostium is obstructed by orbital fat or scar tissue. Infection within the frontal sinus can cause secondary orbital cellulitis or abscess. Early signs and symptoms of a frontal sinus infection can be easily misdiagnosed as progression of the patient's thyroid eye disease. Awareness of this possible complication followed by appropriate early intervention will prevent a potentially blinding condition. Furthermore, ever since this complication was observed, the authors' surgical technique of endoscopic decompression has been modified to leave the most anterosuperior portion of the lamina papyracea to prevent fat prolapse and scar formation into the region of the frontal recess.

The sphenoidal sinus in optic nerve decompression

Surgical decompression of the orbit may be necessary in dysthyroid patients with compressive optic neuropathy. Two-wall decompression with a trans-antral or a trans-conjunctival approach is commonly used. However, in some patients the initial improvement following this surgical procedure is not maintained. Although this may be due to disease progression, a variant of orbital anatomy can contribute to sub-optimal decompression. We report three cases in which recurrence of compressive optic neuropathy occurred following two-wall decompression. The sphenoidal sinus was placed anteriorly in these patients. Further decompression which included the lateral wall of the sphenoidal sinus resulted in improvement. An endoscopic approach provides superior access and visibility for decompression of the optic nerve into the sphenoidal sinus, and this approach may be the surgical treatment of choice in these cases.