Fat-removal orbital decompression for thyroid associated orbitopathy: The right procedure for the right patient

Abstract

Orbital decompression is an effective and invaluable procedure for addressing some of the chronic manifestations of Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (GO) such as exophthalmos and orbital congestion. Fat–removal orbital decompression (FROD) started to gain popularity after its introduction in the late 20th century. Among the therapeutic armamentarium of techniques and approaches available for orbital decompression, FROD has proven its efficacy and safety in addition to its ability to reduce proptosis in a relatively predictable manner. In addition, postoperative complications occurring after FROD are generally considered to be less frequent and less serious compared to bone-removal orbital decompression (BROD). Nevertheless, despite of FROD's high benefit-to-risk ratio, proper selection of patients based on meticulous preoperative assessment, including imaging, is of paramount importance to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results. Although up till now there is still no consensus regarding the procedure of choice in GO patients, FROD is an important option to consider in this subset of patients.