Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Medial Orbital Wall Decompression

Retrospective chart review.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications after endoscopic medial orbital wall decompression.

From November 2016 to July 2017, we retrospectively reviewed 40 eyes of 20 patients who had undergone orbital decompression because of thyroid ophthalmopathy and other causes of proptosis.The eyes were classified into 2 groups: orbits which received only endoscopic medial wall decompression, and orbits which received both endoscopic medial wall decompression and transconjunctival inferior wall decompression. Statistical analysis was performed for all data generated. The preoperative and 3-month postoperative follow-up examinations for all patients were assessed by Hertel ophthalmometry, interpalpebral fissure, marginal reflex distance 1, Goldmann applanation tonometry, diplopia test, and Grave ophthalmopathy specific quality of life survey.

Endoscopic medial wall decompression was performed in 17 of the total 40 eyes, and endoscopic medial wall decompression and transconjunctival inferior wall decompression was performed in the remaining 23 eyes. Proptosis improved from 20.4 ± 1.16 mm preoperatively to 16.8 ± 1.02 mm postoperatively in the endoscopic medial wall approach group, and from 20.8 ± 1.75 mm preoperatively to 14.8 ± 1.79 mm postoperatively in the endoscopic medial wall and transconjunctival inferior wall approach group. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients who displayed periphery diplopia, in the endoscopic medial wall and transconjunctival inferior wall approach group. A survey to assess the level of cosmetic satisfaction was significantly improved in both groups after surgery.

Endoscopic medial wall decompression is an approach that achieves sufficient orbital decompression while minimizing complications.