Article
Orbital decompression in Grave's disease
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
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In the last decades orbital decompression has been the last choice of treatment in Grave´s disease; only if medical treatment or radiation were not successfull. Due to possible operative risks (e.g. diplopia) this method was used for compressive neuropathy only but not for aesthetic reasons.
A new finding is the so-called compartment syndrome, which is an increase in volume of orbital contents. This results in an increase of intraorbital pressure which can cause retrobulbar pain. Orbital decompression helps to reduce those complaints.
In case of direct compression of the optic nerve in the orbital apex, orbital decompression has to be considered. Indication, surgical technique, different approaches, results and risks will be discussed.