Temporal hollowing and other adverse effects after lateral orbital wall decompression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome and late postoperative complications after lateral orbital wall decompression in a series of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).

METHODS: One hundred and three patients operated in the period 1999-2013 were invited to participate in the study, and 84 were included after a median (range) follow-up time of 124 (13-188) months. The patients were interviewed, and preoperative and postoperative data were collected from hospital records. Photographs ('selfies') were obtained from 64 patients. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the change in pre- and postoperative data.

RESULTS: On average, visual acuity was unchanged with a median value (range) of 1.0 (0.4-1.25) before to 1.0 (0-1.25) after surgery (p = 0.5). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a median value (range) of 17 (9-26) to 15 (8-23) mmHg (p < 0.001). Median (range) Hertel values were 23 (15-30) mm preoperatively and 20 (12-26) mm postoperatively (p < 0.001) respectively. Mean (SD) reduction in proptosis was 3.6 (±2.1) mm. Oscillopsia was reported in 24 patients (29%), 42 (50%) experienced a change in temporal sensation, and four (5%) had new-onset diplopia. In 47 patients (56%), some degree of temporal hollowing was reported. Among 64 photographed patients, 38 (59%) had noticeable hollowing on examination of postoperative pictures. There was agreement of the patient's perception of temporal hollowing and the appearance in photographs in 26 of 37 patients (70%).

CONCLUSION: Lateral orbital wall decompression has been considered a safe and effective procedure for treatment of TED. Serious side-effects are infrequent, but in rare circumstances, even blindness may occur. Less serious side-effects are relatively common. Among others, a significant number of the patients developed temporal hollowing after the procedure. The patients must be informed about the possible complications before surgery.