Strategies in Surgical Decompression for Thyroid Eye Disease

Surgical management of thyroid eye disease- (TED-) associated morbidity has been plagued by the complex interplay of different operative techniques. Orbital decompression is the well-recognized procedure for disfiguring exophthalmos and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). There are numerous published techniques described for the removal of the orbital bone, fat, or a combination. The diverse studies are noncomparative as they include different indications, stages of disease, and methods of evaluation. Thus, it is difficult to conclude the most efficient decompression technique. To obtain effective and predictable results, it is therefore important to propose a logical and acceptable clinical guideline to customize patient treatment. Herein, we developed an algorithm based on the presence of DON, preoperative existing diplopia, and severity of proptosis which were defined by patient's disabling symptoms together with a set of ocular signs reflecting visual function or cosmesis. More specifically, we aimed to assess the minimal but effective surgical technique with acceptable potential complications to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Transcaruncular or inferomedial decompressions are indicated in restoring optic nerve function in patients with DON associated with mild or moderate to severe proptosis, respectively. Inferomedial or fatty decompressions are effective to treat patients with existing diplopia associated with mild or moderate to severe proptosis, respectively. Fatty or balanced decompressions can improve disfiguring exophthalmos in patients without existing diplopia associated with mild to moderate or severe proptosis, respectively. Inferomedial or 3-wall decompressions are preferred to address facial rehabilitation in patients associated with very severe proptosis but without preoperative diplopia.