The Thai Journal of Ophthalmology
The Opthalmological Society of Thailand

Official Publication of the Royal College of Ophthalmologist and Ophthalmological Society of Thailand

Orbital Decompression in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy : Lateral Rhinotomy Approach

Ankana Metheetrairut M.D.,*
Chokechai Metheetrairut M.D.,**
Preecha Machanun M.D.*
*Department of Ophthalmology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
**Department of Otolaryngology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahdol University

ABSTRACT Orbital decompression is one of the early step of multiple procedures in treating Grave’ ophthalmopathy. Until now, many approaches have been set forth, each technique provided a different amount of orbital space.

The transantral approach of Ogura and Walsh is the most acceptable technique, since if allows the orbital contents to expand into maxillary and ethmoid sinuses which are the actual spaces. The authors presented two cases of Graves’ ophthalmopathy which underwent the orbital decompression by lateral rhinotomy approach. This approach provided a removal of the medial and lateral orbital wall as same as Ogura’ s technique. But our technique is more simple and more direct visualization of the surgical landmarks and does not need the microscope. By this way, the complications after orbital decompression could also be minimized and it yields a highly efficiency in reducing the malignant exophthalmos and should be further studied.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1992 ; July – December 6 (2) : 99-106