Endoscopic transethmoid orbital medial wall decompression for thyroid associated ophthalmopathy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transethmoid and orbital medial wall decompression combined with orbital fat decompression for thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Methods The data of 17 eyes of 11 patients with TAO were selected and retrospectively analyzed. They receieved endoscopic transethmoid and orbital medial wall decompression combined with orbital fat decompression. All patients were followed up periodically. Results Six months after surgery, the mean reduction in proptosis was (5.24±1.79)mm, the difference was statistically significant between before and after surgery (P<0.05). Postoperatively the difference of exophthalmos between the both eyes was within 2 mm. Corneal epithelial abnormalities decreesed from 14 eyes (82.35%) preoperative to 2 eyes (11.76%) postperative , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). And postoperative mean height of palpebral fissure decreased(2.59±0.48)mm, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). There was no loss of visual acuity, orbital bleeding or other complication. Conclusion The endoscopic transethmoid orbital medial wall decompression combined with orbital fat decompression is an effective treatment for TAO. Key words: Ophthalmopathy, thyroid associated; Orbital decompression, transethmoid medical wall, endoscopic