Results of surgical treatment using minimally invasive methods in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy

The study objective is to analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy using minimally invasive transorbital approaches and intraoperative frameless neuronavigation.

Materials and methods. The study was based on the results of examination and surgical treatment of 9 patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy (17 orbits) in the period from 2015 to 2017. At the first stage the preoperative computed tomography images of the orbits was imported into the navigation software program, and then the area of the proposed resection of the orbit walls was marked. Further, in the operating room, the patient head position was registered in the navigation system. To perform bone decompression of the orbit and lipectomy, we used preseptal, transcaruncular and lateral retrocanthal approaches. These approaches are transconjunctival and do not leave postoperative scars. Upon completion of the orbitotomy, its accuracy and dimensions were determined by the intraoperative pointer of the neuronavigation system.

Results. The postoperative period was uneventful. In all patients, according to clinical examination and computed tomography, good cosmetic and functional results were achieved. Only 1 patient developed a simblypharon after transconjunctival access, which required additional intervention to reconstruct the lower eyelid. There were no other complications of surgical treatment. The minimum degree of regression of exophthalmos was 3 mm, the maximum 7 mm. Diplopia completely regressed in 2 patients. The observation period was 6 months.

Conclusion. Minimally invasive transorbital approaches allow the transconjunctival view of all orbital walls to perform decompression of the orbit and lipectomy without cutaneous incisions, to achieve good cosmetic and functional results. The intraoperative use of the neuronavigation system ensures the bone decompression of the orbit in full.

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