Management of Traumatic Dacryocystitis and Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy Using Silicone Lacrimal Intubation Set

The aim of this work is to study the management and success rate of traumatic dacryocystitis and failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using Silicone lacrimal intubation set. A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye care hospital, India from February 2006 to January 2008. This study material comprised 50 patients of traumatic dacryocystitis and failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Anterior single flap external dacryocystorhinostomy with Silicon intubation was performed in all the patients. The patients were followed up at weekly intervals for 1 month and thereafter every 2 months for 1 year post operatively. Criteria determining success were based on resolution of epiphora and patency on syringing. In traumatic dacryocystitis, 21(91.3%) cases fulfilled these criteria while 23(85.2%) cases of failed DCR were successful. The overall success rate (88%) was determined with an average follow-up of 1 year. Globally, the technique was effective in 85% of cases. The results were comparable with other similar studies. This study concludes that performing a DCR in traumatic dacryocystitis and failed DCR taking into consideration the complications and chances of failure is a challenge for the surgeon. We opine that External dacryocystorhinostomy with Silicon Intubation is one of the most effective modality in dealing with such cases.     

Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: our experience

Objectives

To study the outcome of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with or without mucosal flap preservation, without mitomycin local application, silicon tube stenting or laser assistance. To determine the duration of the surgical procedure of DCR, influence of simultaneously performed endonasal endoscopic procedures for concomitant sinonasal diseases.

Methods

Combined retrospective and prospective study in our tertiary referral center. 24 patients with chronic dacryocystitis underwent 25 standard endonasal endoscopic DCR procedures, 10 with and 15 without mucosal flap preservation. 6 of these had concomitant sinonasal diseases for which they underwent septoplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or both, simultaneously or as staged procedures. Relief from epiphora and patency of the nasolacrimal fistula was assessed by nasal endoscopy and syringing of the lacrimal apparatus at 1 week, 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Out of 18 patients who underwent only DCR, 17 patients (94.44%) had complete relief from epiphora. Out of 6 patients who underwent 7 DCRs with concomitant sinonasal surgery, 5 patients (85.71%) had complete relief from epiphora. Overall 23 out of 25 DCRs (92%) had complete relief. In 15 of the 25 procedures, mucosal flap was excised completely. In remaining 10 procedures, flap was trimmed, repositioned to cover exposed bone around the newly created nasolacrimal fistula. In either situation, only one patient each had partial block of the nasolacrimal fistula. Average duration of the surgical procedure of DCR was 18 min.

Conclusion

Endonasal endoscopic DCR is a viable alternative to external DCR, co-existing sinonasal diseases can be managed simultaneously, as may be required in 25% of cases. It can be performed under 20 min without mucosal flap preservation, mitomycin local application, silicon tube stenting or laser assistance and can still provide a good success rate (92%) with less complications.     

Conventional dacryocystorhinostomy versus endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy-a comparative study

The objective of present study was to compare the results of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy. It was a prospective non-randomized study. Forty consecutive patients having complaints of watering with complete naso lacrimal duct obstruction were selected for the study. Dacryocystography was done in all the cases. Selection of type of operation was left to the patient’s choice. All patients had preoperative counseling and both the procedures were explained in detail with their advantages and disadvantages. Twenty patients underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and twenty had external dacryocystorhinostomy. Silicon intubation was done in all cases of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for three months after surgery. The final follow-up was done at 12 months after surgery. The patency of lacrimal passage was confirmed by syringing and patients were questioned about their symptoms. There was no significant difference in the results of both surgeries. The complication rate in both groups was almost equal. Thus we came to the conclusion that these two different dacryocystorhinostomy techniques are acceptable alternatives.     

Improving the Results of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy with Mitomycin C Application: A Prospective Case–Control Study

Many surgical advancement paved to surgical success in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Mitomycin C is a systemic chemotherapeutic agent derived from Streptomyces caespitosus that inhibits the synthesis of DNA, cellular RNA, and protein by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts. The objective of the study was to evaluate the advantage of mitomycin C in primary endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy without stenting. Randomised case control design. Tertiary academic centre in central India. 112 patients who presented with epiphora and diagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis after syringing by ophthalmologist, were selected and randomised into two groups with or without mitomycin C intraoperative application. 112 eyes underwent endoscopic-dacryocystorhinostomy. Additional surgeries were done according to necessity. Mitomycin C was applied in concentration of 0.4 mg/dl for 5 min. Patients were followed up on OPD-basis at the end of 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month and over phone call at end of 1 year. Symptomatic improvement assessed by verbal enquiry and clinically by syringing by ophthalmologist. 8 patients underwent septal surgery in case group and 4 in control group along with 1 concha bullosa correction in the case group (p?<?0.05). Nil intraoperative complications (p?<?0.05) and nil postoperative complication noted (p?<?0.05). Functional and anatomical patency found to be 100% at the end of 1st week in both groups, 96.5% at 3rd month in case group and 96.4% and 92.9% at 1 month and 3 month respectively in control group. Nasal endoscopy of all surgical failures showed restenosis in both case group and control group except 1 patient with granulation in control group. Eventhough intraoperative mitomycin C application is effective in increasing the success rate of endonasal DCR surgery in standard nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and with no significant complications from its use, the study did not show added benefit in the primary endoscopic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without stenting.     

Polypropylene in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Novel Stent

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is usually done in cases of lacrimal apparatus obstruction. The common causes of failure are that of obstruction in the common canaliculus and closure of the rhinostomy site. To overcome these problems we use stents. Stents most commonly used are that of silicon which are expensive and not readily available. As an alternative, polypropylene (Prolene; Ethicon) is used as a stent which is cheaper and readily available. This study is done to evaluate the clinical efficacy and results of stenting with polypropylene suture material in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Fifty one endoscopic DCR operations were performed between July 2013 to December 2014. After creating an aperture in the medial wall of the lacrimal sac, 3/0 prolene was inserted from lower punctum to neo ostium. The prolene was left in the lacrimal sac for 3 weeks. The patients were followed up for 3 months. In our study, most of the patients belonged to the age group of 41–60 years (47%). There was female preponderance as 64.7% were females. 47 patients (92.2%) showed very good results. Two patients (3.9%) developed granuloma for which revision surgery was done. We lost 2 patients during follow up. This modification enables an easy, safe, effective and low-cost form of DCR. Prolene is cheaper and readily available. It might be used successfully in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and is promising alternative to silicone stent intubations, especially in settings with limited resources.     

Primary Endonasal DCR Without Stent: Our Experience and Case Series Analysis

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy is widely accepted and effective treatment option for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. It can be done with or without the use of stents. This study was carried out to evaluate the results of endonasal DCR surgery and to access efficacy of this procedure without stenting. This is a prospective clinical study conducted in Departments of ENT and Ophthalmology, L.N. Medical College and J.K. Hospital, Bhopal from October 2008 to April 2012. A total of 90 patients with epiphora as evidenced by nasolacrimal duct blockage on syringing were included in the study. These patients underwent endoscopic DCR without stenting. The cases were followed up to 18 months postoperative. Surgical success was defined as anatomical patency and symptomatic relief at the end of the follow up period. Failure was defined as no symptomatic relief, and/or acute dacryocystitis, and/or non patent lacrimal drainage system. Surgical success was observed in 80 of 90 (88.89 %) patients. Incidence of complication was low as only 6 patients had minor complication of bleeding, synechie and granulation tissue formation. It was concluded that high success rates could be achieved in case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction by endoscopic DCR. Thus, we can minimize complications, discomfort, the cost of stenting and follow up visits after endonasal DCR surgery.     

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with conventional instruments: results and advantages over external dacryocystorhinostomy

Background

The aim of study is to evaluate the Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with conventional instruments, its results and advantage over external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

Methods

The study group comprised of 127 patients who underwent consecutive endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The cases operated by one team were included in the study to make the uniform analysis and its result. There were 48 males and 79 female in this study and male female ratio was 1:1.6. The mean age of the patient was 37 years (range from 16 years to 58 years). There were wide variety of cases like epiphora, lacrimal sac abscess, lacrimal sac fistula, acute dacryocystitis and road vehicular accident. All the patients had undergone non-laser, non-powered conventional instruments surgery under local anesthesia. The lighted probe was not used in any case for sac identification. The free flow of saline through newly created stoma during sac syringing was considered as successful criteria. The stent was used in two cases of road vehicular accident and in remaining 125 cases no stent was used. There were 66 cases of epiphora, 30 cases of lacrimal sac abscess, 26 cases of acute dacryocystitis, 3 cases of lacrimal fistula and 2 case of road traffic accident with multiple fractures. The average follow up period was 17 months (maximum follow up 3 years and minimum 4 months.)

Results

The success rate was 96 %.

Conclusion

The endoscopic DCR with conventional instruments is safe with very high success rate without any complications. It can be done in acute cases and very much suited for lacrimal sac abscess and lacrimal sac fistula.     

Improving Results in Endoscopic DCR

The aim of presenting this article is to highlight the factors causing failure in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Understanding these factors will lead to an enhancement in the success rate of endoscopic DCR. Out of 600 cases done in a period of 10 years (from 1998 to 2008), 60 were revision cases. 60 patients referred over a period of 10 years, were selected. The aim was to study the factors causing failure in each case. The cases included were revised in a period of 10 years from 1998 to 2008. These were the cases that were unsuccessful for one or the other reason. The author presents a series of failed DCR cases referred over a period of 10 years. Patients had undergone primary surgery elsewhere and were referred due to the persistence of symptoms. Assessment of all the cases was done with the examination of Eyes and lids for any obvious deformity, watering or purulent discharge in the medial canthal area. ROPLAS test was done as a spot diagnosis for NLD block. This was followed by probing and syringing in the outdoor. All the cases were revised and the likely causes leading to failure of the first surgery were analyzed. It was found that the improper selection of cases accounted for 3.3% of total failed cases; Low rhinostomy accounted for 28.3% cases, inadequate sac opening for 38.3% cases, Pre existing canaliculitis for 1.6% of cases, contracture at the rhinostomy site in 10% cases. Laser burn canalicular scarring for 3.3% of total cases and laxity of the lids and atonic sac was responsible for failure in 3.3% cases. Most of the above factors are secondary to the false localization of the sac, inadequate removal of the sac wall, too much of mucosal removal leading to synaechia formation at the surgical site and inability to detect any additional block with NLD (Nasolacrimal duct) block.     

Concept of foreign body-its past and present

Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy [EDCR] is considered to be a superior alternative technique to the conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR], both in primary and secondary cases. It is of particular value in children and young adults as it avoids an external scar. Sixteen cases of chronic dacryo-cystitis were treated by the endoscopic technique, including 8 revision cases of failed external approach. In all cases except one, a patent nasolacrimal fistula was noted, with a success rate of 93.7%. The authors share their experience in EDCR and review the relevant literature.     

Powered Endoscopic Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy with Mucosal Flaps and Trimming of Anterior End of Middle Turbinate

Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), when compared to external techniques, has always had guarded acceptance primarily due to inconsistent success rates. The most common cause of surgical failure in endoscopic DCR is very high/very low mucosal incision, obstruction of neo-ostium by granulation tissue, infolding of flap or formation of synechiae between middle turbinate and the neo-ostium site post-operatively. Several techniques and modifications have been suggested by various authors over the years since the first introduction of endoscopic endonasal DCR. With the newer techniques and advancements, the success rates have become comparable or even higher than external DCR. The aim of our study was to determine the success of endoscopic endonasal DCR using the classical Wormald technique with a few modifications. A total of 37 cases of epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction were operated using endoscopic endonasal DCR technique. The surgical technique included classical Wormald principle of mucosal flap, removal of the overlying bone using Kerrisons punch & chisel-hammer followed by vertical incision on the sac. The medial wall of lacrimal sac was then trimmed using microdebrider, thus apposing it to the nasal mucosal flaps. The anterior end of middle turbinate was also trimmed prophylactically to prevent synechiae formation. The outcome and long term patency of the cases were evaluated. Of the 37 cases, 35 cases (94.6 %) had complete resolution of the epiphora at the end of 1 year follow up period. The two cases of failure were due to canaliculitis in one patient and extensive granulation around the neo-ostium in another. Thus the above method has very good success rate comparable to previous studies and very less chances of granulation tissue formation and blockage of neo-ostium by synechiae/flap infolding.     

Endonasal carbon-dioxide laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy verses external dacryocystorhinostomy

This is a prospective, non-randomized study to evaluate and compare the results, morbidity and surgical time for endonasal carbon-dioxide laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy. 70 consecutive patients of chronic dacryocystitis with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were selected for the study. 36 patients under went endonasal CO2 laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy and 34 had external dacryocystorhinostomy. Selection of the type of operation was left to the patient's choice. All the patients had preoperative counseling and both the procedures were explained in detail with their advantages and disadvantages. Patients not willing for the external incision were selected for endonasal laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy and others were operated via external approach. Silicone tubes were put in all the patients for three months after surgery. The final follow up was 12 months after the removal of silicone tubes. The patency of the lacrimal passage was confirmed by irrigation, and patients were questioned about their symptoms. The success rates, 12 months after removal of silicone tubes were 100% in endonasal CO2 laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy and 88.24% in external dacryocystorhinostomy. The surgical time of endonasal laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy was 38 minutes as compared to 62 in external dacryocystorhinostomy. Complication rate in both groups was almost equal. Thus, we came to the conclusion that Endonasal CO2 laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy is a better surgical option to external dacryocystorhinostomy in cases of chronic dacryocystitis with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with shorter surgical time.     

Double Posterior Based Flap Technique in Primary Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy With and Without Using Powered Instrument

To demonstrate the surgical technique and outcomes of double posterior based flap technique in primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without use of powered instrument. 28 patients of nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study from September 2012 to February 2015. All underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with double posterior based nasal and lacrimal flap technique. In patients of group A (14 patients), bone removal was done with the help of Smith–Kerrison punch forceps and in patients of group B (14 patients), powered drill has been used for the same. Patients were visited the endoscopic clinic at 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery for post operative evaluation. Of 28 patients, 26(92.85%) were found free of symptoms at the end of 1, 3 and at 6 months. One from each group had recurrence of symptoms. At the end of 12 months of 25 patients, 3(12%) patients were found to have recurrence of symptoms of which 1(8.33%) patients was from group A and 2(15.38%) were from group B and failures were because of granulation tissue and stomal stenosis. Patients assisted with powered drill had more postoperative complications compared to cold instrument. Double posterior based flap technique in primary endoscopic DCR without the assistance of powered drill could be an effective surgical option for the patients of chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction enabling early epithelisation by preventing peristomal granulation tissue resulting in encouraging surgical outcome with least postoperative complication.     

Endoscopic DCR: How To Improve The Results

Since Toti described the initial dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) operation in 1904 many technical modifications have evolved (Becker in Ophthalmic Surg 19:419–427, 1988). Overall, three groups of procedures are currently practised; external DCR, endoscopic DCR with contact laser, and surgical endoscopic DCR without laser (Woog et al. in Am J Ophthalmol 116:1–10, 1993; Jokinen and Karja in Arch Otolaryngol 100:41–44, 1974. Many factors influence the outcome of these different approaches. The purpose of this study was to improve the long term surgical outcome in endonasal DCR. A retrospective analysis of more than 1,500 patients, who underwent primary endoscopic DCR, was done and specific small modifications were identified and applied in the next 108 cases showing an improvement in the results.     

Clinical evaluation of targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic drugs in interventional therapy of advanced lung cancer

Purpose

To assess the clinical efficacy of targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic agents in the interventional therapy of lung cancer.

Methods

Forty patients with advanced lung cancer underwent treatment with targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic agents using Seldinger technique. Interventional therapy was performed once a month, and each subject received interventional treatment for 2 or more cycles. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 2 months post-treatment.

Results

Out of 40 patients with advanced lung cancer, 5 cases achieved complete remission (CR) and 29 cases achieved partial remission (PR), with a total effectiveness (CR + PR) rate of 85 %. Besides, 32 cases achieved significantly alleviated clinical symptoms, and 29 cases had decreased clinical tumor stage. All subjects had stable karnofsky performance status score and body weight. Among the 40 patients, 13 cases had leucopenia, 10 cases had gastrointestinal reactions, 3 cases presented with elevated alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio, and 3 cases had fever. However, all these side effects relieved quickly. No elevation of BUN/Cr ratio and allergic reactions was observed. No significant changes in cardiac function and electrocardiogram were noticed after the treatment.

Conclusions

Targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic drugs can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with advanced lung cancer and increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby providing an opportunity for radiotherapy or surgical treatment for advanced lung cancer.     

A comparative study of external and endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy — a preliminary report

This prospective study was done ta compare the results of external and endonasal dacryocys-torhinostomy (DCR). 6 patients were studied under each group. Success rate for external DCR was 93.3% and endonasal was DCR 100%. The technique, merits and disadvantages of both the procedures are discussed as well as the advantages of endonasal DCR highlighted.     

A 7-year prospective study of routine histopathological evaluation of the lacrimal sac wall incisional biopsy specimens obtained during external dacryocystorhinostomy in adults and a review of the literature

The most common lacrimal sac pathology is chronic inflammation with or without occlusive fibrosis. However, a substantial number of lacrimal sac-specific pathologies were reported throughout the literature which may mimic chronic inflammation and be misdiagnosed. From a tertiary ophthalmic care centre in Serbia, in a single ophthalmic pathology laboratory, during a 7-year period (January 2004 to October 2010), a 599 consecutive lacrimal sac wall biopsy samples routinely obtained during external dacryocystorhinostomy in adult patients with clinically presumed primary acquired lacrimal drainage system obstruction were analysed. Although non-specific lacrimal sac pathology was present in the vast majority of cases (578 biopsy specimens; 96.49%), this report also reveals a relatively substantial number (21 biopsy specimens; 3.51%) of clinically non-suspected or intraoperatively unexpected primary lacrimal sac-specific pathology—among them, six lesions with malignant biological behaviour were identified: one microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma and five malignant lymhoproliferative lesions. Usefulness of routine lacrimal sac wall biopsy during surgery for primary acquired lacrimal drainage system obstruction is undoubtful and commensurate with the constant need for better understanding of the pathological processes that involve lacrimal drainage system.     

Pediatric Endoscopic DCR: The Outcome in 50 Patients

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a very common condition affecting 20 % of infants. Pediatric DCR is indicated when there is no response to previous therapy like probing, or is associated with recurrent dacryocystitis. This is a retrospective case series study of 50 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic DCR in two centers, Jordan University Hospital/Jordan, and Mosul teaching and private hospitals/Iraq. The age ranged from 3 to 12 years with a mean of 6.2 years. The overall success rate of endoscopic DCR was 90 %, and failed cases were mainly due to presaccal obstruction. No major complications were reported, but minor complications occurred in about 60 % of cases. As a conclusion, endoscopic DCR is a safe and effective procedure in pediatric age group.     

Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Head and Neck Masses

In ENT clinical practice patients with neck swelling is a common presentation. To know their exact nature a simple, sensitive and diagnostic tool is required to prevent unnecessary costlier investigation and corresponding treatment. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a very safe, sensitive and diagnostic tool. This study was done to know the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the FNAC in head and neck masses. Present prospective study was done in 179 patients of head and neck masses which were subjected to FNAC and their results were later correlated with histopathological examination report (HPR) wherever available. Out of 179 FNAC, HPR available only in 152 cases. In present study 104 cases (58.10 %) of lymph node, 35 cases (19.55 %) of thyroid gland, 17 cases (9.49 %) of salivary gland, 12 cases (6.70 %) of soft tissue and 11 cases (6.14 %) of miscellaneous swellings were present. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of present study were 81.8, 95.0, 81.8 and 95.0 % respectively. The accuracy was 92.10 %.     

Fulvestrant plus targeted agents versus fulvestrant alone for treatment of hormone-receptor positive advanced breast cancer progressed on previous endocrine therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To compare the addition of targeted agents to fulvestrant with fulvestrant alone in hormone-receptor positive advanced breast cancer progressed on previous endocrine therapy; a meta-analysis of all relevant randomized controlled trials was performed. The PubMed, Embase databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant publications reporting randomized controlled trials between January 2000 and June 2016. Progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and toxicity were assessed. Eight trials with a total of 2,470 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with fulvestrant alone, combination therapy improved PFS (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.72–0.87; P = 0.00), increased ORR (RR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.30–2.21; P = 0.00), and showed a trend of increase in DCR (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 0.96–1.69, P = 0.09). In network analysis, only CD4/6 and PI3K/m-TOR inhibitors showed significant treatment effects with a P-score of 0.9999 and 0.7615, respectively. Patients treated with combination therapy developed more grade 3 or greater toxic effects (RR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.13–1.36; P = 0.00). Combining targeted agents with fulvestrant showed benefit but with increased toxicity in patients with advanced breast cancer compared with fulvestrant alone. Biomarkers for treatment optimization are lacking. The CD4/6 and PI3K/m-TOR pathways merit further investigation.