Study examines success of lateral orbital wall decompression in pediatric TED

A lateral orbital decompression via a conjunctival incision over the lateral orbital rim without a canthotomy or cantholysis can be successful in pediatric patients with TED, according to a study presented at the ASOPRS 52nd Annual Fall Scientific Symposium. This procedure will not result in a lateral canthal scar.

In this retrospective chart review spanning an 11-year period, 10 children with inactive TED and disfiguring proptosis who underwent a conjunctiva-only lateral orbital incision for a lateral orbital wall decompression, were included. At the time of surgery, the average age was 14.77 years.

A total of 18 orbits were treated with a conjunctival incision over the lateral orbital rim without a canthotomy or cantholysis. An ultrasonic bone aspirator was used for lateral orbital wall decompression. Three patients required surgical navigation.

Significant cosmetic improvement was noted in all patients in addition to the resolution of exposure keratopathy. One patient had a conjunctival cyst that was removed 3 months after surgery.

During the average follow-up time of 1.83 years, there were no reports of post-operative aqueous tear insufficiency, eyelid malposition, or skin scarring.

Reference
Lahaie Luna G, et al. Eyelid Incision Sparing Lateral Wall Decompression in Pediatric Thyroid Eye Disease: A Lateral Transconjunctival Approach. Presented at: ASOPRS 52nd Annual Fall Scientific Symposium.