[Ophthalmo-rhinosurgical decompression operation in malignant endocrine exophthalmus]

The thyroid metabolism has to be treated first. If this is not followed by regression of the exophthalmos, treatment with prednisone over a period of several weeks is indicated. If this does not result in permanent improvement, surgical decompression of the orbit is indicated, especially if the exposition of the cornea or compression of the optic nerve represent an imminent danger. In such cases surgical decompression is preferable to multiple series of prednisone or radiation treatment (Wright 1981, Trokel 1982). Both the Krönlein-Berke operation for resection of the lateral orbital wall as well as neurosurgical resection of the orbital roof have proved to be excellent for removal of correspondingly located orbital tumors; effective decompression of the orbit in malignant endocrine exophthalmos, however, cannot be achieved this way, as the temporal muscle and the brain, respectively, prevent protrusion of the swollen orbital tissues through these apertures. Resection of the orbital floor is somewhat more effective. The mucosa of the maxillary sinus can easily be moved by the protruding orbital tissues, resulting in a reduction in the size of the maxillary sinus. This decompression, however, is effective only in the anterior two-thirds of the orbit, while the optic nerve must be relieved from the pressure of the swollen muscles in particular in the posterior one-third of the orbit. The only effective way is to remove the medical orbital wall up to the tip of the orbit. Surgical techniques for this purpose have already been recommended, but appeared unsatisfactory from a rhinological point of view.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)