[Orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy]

Introduction. This paper was aimed at presenting our experience and results in the surgical management for proptosis in patients with Graves` orbitopathy. Material and Methods. This is a retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series review. Seventeen eyes of ten patients underwent orbital decompression between 2008 and 2009. Depending on case, the surgery involved one to 3 orbital walls with or without fat removal, being approached through combined transcaruncular and lower fornix incision. Results. All the operated patients were females, their mean age being 48, with proptosis ranging from 21 to 28 mm, and 18 to 22 mm three months after surgery. A mean reduction in proptosis of 4.59 ? 1.58 mm was attained. Intra-operative course was uneventful and post-operatively transient infraorbital hypoesthesia was seen in twelve patients (70.57%). Conclusion. Orbital decompression proved to be a safe, reliable and effective way to reduce proptosis provided that the procedure is carefully planned and properly performed.