Outcomes of revision external dacryocystorhinostomy and nasal intubation by bicanalicular silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance

AIM: To evaluate the long-term treatment outcomes in patients who underwent revision of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and nasal intubation by bicanalicular silicone tubing (BSTI) under endonasal endoscopic guidance. METHODS: Data from 28 patients with recurrent dacryocystitis were retrospectively reviewed. Revision external DCR and bicanalicular nasal intubation by silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance was performed in 28 eyes of 28 patients. The patients were evaluated with respect to the reason of recurrence, time to recurrence, time to revision, duration of follow-up and surgical success. RESULTS: Endoscopic endonasal examination detected an osteotomy-side obstruction by the excessive granulation tissue in 24 patients (86%), nasal septal deviation in three patients (10%) and nasal polyp in one patient (4%). Recurrence occurred after a mean duration of 5.3±3.7 months following the first operation. The mean time between the first DCR operation and the revision DCR was 11.5 ± 9.3 months. After a mean follow-up of 14.9±7.8 months, the rate of anatomic success alone was 85% (24/28); the rate of subjective success was 78% (22/28). CONCLUSION: Revision external DCR and bicanalicular nasal intubation by silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance can be recommended in patients with recurrent dacryocystitis as a surgical approach that achieves satisfactory objective and subjective success rates.     

Lacrimal intubation during dacryocystorhinostomy utilizing the STENTube

The traditional use of the Crawford tube for lacrimal intubation during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) carries several drawbacks. We describe the use of the STENTube for DCR intubation and detail its advantages. Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series; 313 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) underwent 339 DCRs (216 external, 123 endonasal) with the STENTube from January 2007 – June 2013 by 5 surgeons (RS, QN, TS, SB, TN) across 3 institutions (SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Texas Oculoplastics Consultants, and Moorfields Eye Hospital). Study outcome measures included patient demographics, surgical complications, and epiphora improvement/resolution. 206 (66%) females and 107 (34%) males had a mean age of 63 years (range 2–94 years). Distribution of diagnoses included: 314 complete idiopathic acquired NLDO, 20 partial idiopathic acquired NLDO, and 5 congenital complete NLDO. 316 (93%) were primary DCRs and 23 (7%) were revisions. Epiphora improved in 312 (92%) cases with 294 (86%) experiencing resolution with patent lacrimal irrigation at a mean last follow-up of 9.4 months. Twenty-eight (8%) patients experienced surgical complications with 16 (5%) experiencing tube prolapse, and 20 (6%) requiring re-operation. The STENTube represents a simple method for lacrimal intubation during external or endonasal DCR at a comparable cost to the Crawford tube. It allows for low prolapse rates without the need for additional endonasal fixation procedures, resulting in a simple and comfortable post-operative extraction without risk of lacrimal trauma. The STENTube is our preferred intubation technique during DCR, and should be considered by oculofacial surgeons performing DCR with intubation.     

Pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: A multicenter series of 116 cases

We report our experience with pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative study. Cases of pediatric endonasal DCR during 2006–2011 were included from six oculoplastic units. Patients over the age of 16 years were excluded. The outcomes of pediatric endonasal DCR are presented. Indication for surgery, demographics, previous interventions, intraoperative or postoperative complications, follow-up duration, and success rate (defined as significant improvement of epiphora) were evaluated. In total, 116 endonasal DCRs were performed for 103 patients. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 3 months to 4 years), with 1 patient lost to follow-up. There were 48 males (mean age 5 years and 9 months) and 50 females (range of 4 months to 16 years), with a total of 98 cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) (84.5%) and 18 cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (ANLDO) (15.5%). Previous interventions included probing 75.9% (88/116), massaging 43.1% (50/116), and intubation 39.7% (46/116). There were no intraoperative complications. There was one case of postoperative pyogenic granuloma. There were no cases of postoperative infection and postoperative hemorrhage. Ninety percent of procedures were considered successful. Complete symptom resolution was observed in 78% (90/116), significant improvement in 12% (14/116), partial improvement in 2% (2/116), and no improvement in 8% (9/116). In our series, we demonstrated that endonasal DCR is a safe operation and has an overall success rate of 90% for pediatric NLDO.     

Nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: Outcome in 134 eyes

Aims:To evaluate the outcome of nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (NEN-DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in India.Methods:Retrospective case series of NEN-DCR between July 2012 and October 2014. All patients had follow-up >3 months. Success was defined anatomically as patency on irrigation and functionally as relief from epiphora.Results:A total of 122 patients (134 eyes; 81 female; mean age 37 ± 18 years) were included. Indications were primary acquired NLDO in 92 (68%) eyes of adults (>18 years), NLDO in children (<18 years) in 22 eyes (16%), acute dacryocystitis in 13 eyes, failed prior DCR in six eyes, and secondary acquired NLDO in one eye. Mean duration of surgery was 36 min (range: 16–92). At a median follow-up of 6 months (range: 3–15), 86% eyes had functional success and 85% had anatomical success. Revision NEN-DCR was successful in 13/16 eyes. All patients with acute dacryocystitis were completely symptom-free at final visit. In children, (17/22) 77% achieved functional success after primary NEN-DCR which improved to 100% after one revision. Tube-related epiphora and granuloma in ten eyes resolved after removal.Conclusion:NEN-DCR gives good outcome in primary NLDO and is also effective in those with acute dacryocystitis and in children with NLDO. The technique obviates the need for an endoscope and has an acceptable safety profile and thus may be particularly suited for the developing nations.     

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) often requires treatment by probing, intubation, or balloon dacryoplasty. Refractory cases have been managed by external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which leaves a scar; however, this procedure is generally avoided in young children. Endoscopic DCR has been successfully performed in adults and described in children. We report the success of this procedure in a series of pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of all endoscopic lacrimal procedures performed in a 3-year period was undertaken. Seventeen children (22 ducts) with persistent NLDO after at least one failed probing, with or without silicone tube placement, underwent endoscopic DCR. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months, and success was defined as resolution of tearing and discharge by follow-up clinical evaluation and by parental history. RESULTS: All but 2 patients (88%) with NLDO showed complete resolution of tearing and discharge. These 2 patients had recurrent symptoms after the Crawford tubes were removed and required revision endoscopic DCR. No complications from this procedure were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic DCR is a safe and effective means of treating persistent NLDO in infants and young children when simple probing, intubation, or balloon procedures have failed. The team ophthalmology-otolaryngology endoscopic approach provides a highly successful alternative for patients with a persistent distal obstruction that might otherwise require an external procedure.     

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy following head and neck radiation therapy

This article determines the efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR) in patients who have undergone adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (XRT) following head and neck cancer resection. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent endoDCR between 2006 and 2014 at a tertiary referral center. Cases were reviewed and selected for the following inclusion criteria: history of adjuvant sinonasal XRT following head and neck cancer resection, preoperative probing and irrigation demonstrating nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), postoperative probing and irrigation following silicone tube extubation. Exclusion criteria included active dacryocystitis, postoperative follow-up of less than 4 months, presence of epiphora prior to XRT, lack of probing/irrigation at preoperative or postoperative visit, and lid malposition including ectropion, facial palsy, and/or poor tear pump. Six patients (7 eyes) met the selection criteria. EndoDCR was performed at a mean time of 30 months following last radiation treatment (range, 3–71 months). Mitomycin C was used in 4/7 cases. Silicone tube removal occurred between 3–8 months postoperatively. Five out of 6 patients had postoperative sinonasal debridement and nasal saline/corticosteroid irrigation. Five out of 6 patients (83%) had both resolution of epiphora and anatomic patency confirmed by probing and irrigation. Our experience suggests that endoDCR procedures can be effective in patients with NLDO following prior sinonasal XRT for head and neck neoplasms. Postoperative management with sinonasal debridement and combined saline/corticosteroid nasal irrigation may help to improve surgical success in patients with increased post-radiotherapy mucosal inflammation.     

Lacrimal sac dacryoliths: predictive factors and clinical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Lacrimal sac dacryoliths are often diagnosed during dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), although their cause is unclear. Several factors have been suggested to predispose to dacryolith formation. The clinical presentation of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) may differ if associated with a dacryolith. Our study evaluated specific risk factors related to dacryolith formation and how the clinical presentation of patients with dacryoliths differs from patients with primary acquired NLDO who undergo DCR. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS/INTERVENTION: One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients with NLDO who underwent DCR (163 total DCR cases) between 1993 and 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated the frequency of dacryolith formation for all DCR cases. For 115 patients with primary acquired NLDO, we statistically compared the patients with dacryoliths (n = 12) to those without (n = 103) for several variables related to clinical history and presentation. RESULTS: The overall frequency of dacryoliths was 12 of 163 (7.4%) for all DCR cases and 12 of 138 (8.7%) for all patients. All patients with dacryoliths were in the subgroup of 115 patients with primary acquired NLDO, and the frequency in that subgroup was 12 of 115 (10.4%). There was no statistical difference between the group of patients with dacryoliths and those without dacryoliths for age, duration of epiphora, history of acute dacryocystitis, or previous use of antiglaucomatous topical medications. Male gender was more likely to be associated with dacryoliths (P = 0.004), as was initial presentation with lacrimal sac distension (P < 0.001). Partial nasolacrimal obstruction on lacrimal irrigation approached statistical significance for dacryolith formation (P = 0.08), as did a history of cigarette smoking (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary acquired NLDO who require DCR, male gender and presence of sac distension are more frequently associated with dacryoliths. Partial NLDO and history of cigarette smoking may also be relative risk factors for dacryolith formation. These observations may be helpful in the evaluation and surgical planning for patients with lacrimal obstruction.     

Silicone intubation with intraoperative mitomycin C for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in adults: a prospective, randomized, double-masked study

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) during silicone intubation (SI) as a substitute for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: In this prospective, double-masked study, 88 patients with complete NLD obstruction who were candidates for DCR were randomized in 2 groups. All study patients underwent SI with application of MMC or placebo in a randomized, double-masked fashion, with the former receiving 0.2 mg/mL for 2 minutes before SI. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up interval of 8 months, 25 of the 43 eyes in the MMC group and 21 of the 44 eyes in the placebo group had a successful outcome and were free of tearing and discharge. No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups (p = 0.331). In patients with simple epiphora and less than 6 months of duration, SI alone was effective in 83% of patients; however, in the same group, MMC application during SI did not show beneficial effect over SI alone. But in patients with simple epiphora of 6-months duration or longer, the application of MMC during SI resulted in better efficacy compared with SI alone. The success rates in the patients that had chronic dacryocystitis was lower (23%) compared with patients that had only epiphora (63.7%). CONCLUSIONS: SI alone could effectively substitute for a more extensive procedure such as DCR in patients with simple epiphora, particularly those with newly developed symptoms. In cases with longer duration of symptoms of epiphora, application of MMC would increase the success rate significantly.     

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal flaps

PURPOSE: To describe a new endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) technique and assess its efficacy. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized interventional case series. METHODS: A prospective series of 44 consecutive endonasal DCRs performed from January 1999 to December 2000 was entered into the study. The new technique involved creation of a large bony ostium and mucosal flaps to create an anastamosis between the lacrimal sac mucosa and nasal mucosa. Patients presenting with naso-lacrimal duct obstruction based on symptomatic, clinical, and radiologic grounds were included in the study. Patients who had undergone previous lacrimal surgery were excluded. Surgery was performed by two surgeons (A.T., P.J.W.) using a standardized operative technique. Patient demographics, presentation, examination findings, surgical and anesthetic data, postoperative success, complications, and follow-up were evaluated. Success was defined as anatomic patency as well as relief of symptoms as assessed by fluorescein flow on nasendoscopy, lacrimal syringing, and patient examination. Intubation of the lacrimal apparatus was performed in all operations and the tubes usually removed at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. After removal of the tubes follow-up was 13 months (mean, 12.9 months; range, 9-28 months; standard deviation [SD], 6.1 months). RESULTS: There were 36 patients (12 male/24 female) who underwent 44 endonasal DCRs. The average age of the patients was 62.9 years old (range, 15-86 years old; SD, 19.1 years) and the main presentation was with epiphora (93%) and/or mucocoele (33%). In 13 operations (30%) a septoplasty was required at the time of surgery, and in 10 operations (23%) further endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in conjunction with the DCR. Anatomic success with a patent nasolacrimal system was achieved in 40 of 44 operations (91%). Symptomatic and anatomic success was seen in 39 of 44 operations (89%). Five of the DCRs were classified as failures. In one DCR the patient was symptomatic despite a patent nasolacrimal system and well-healed ostium. In two DCRs preoperative medial canalicular problems were noted. In two DCRs scarring and fibrosis of ostium were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique of endonasal DCR involves creation of a large ostium and construction of nasal and lacrimal sac mucosal flaps. Its anatomic success rate (91% or 40 of 44 DCRs) compares favorably with the success rate of other techniques for endonasal DCR and is also similar to the success of external DCR. Experience in endoscopic nasal surgery is important in endonasal DCR surgery, as other ancillary procedures may be required within the nose at the time of surgery.     

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in the primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation

PURPOSE: To determine whether endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may constitute effective primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with lacrimal sac abscess formation. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a series of 24 patients with acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal sac abscess who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy as a primary procedure. Outcome measures included resolution of signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis as well as intranasal ostium patency as assessed by lacrimal irrigation. RESULTS: Pain was relieved in all patients within 3 days of surgery, and swelling resolved in all patients by 9 days after surgery. Ostium patency, as defined by the absence of epiphora, and free lacrimal irrigation was achieved in 20 (83%) of 24 patients, with follow-up of 27 to 59 months (mean, 40 months). Recurrent epiphora developed in four patients; recurrent dacryocystitis developed in none. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful option in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation.     

Complications of standardized endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with unciformectomy

PURPOSE: To report the nature and frequency of complications occurring with endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) based on routine unciformectomy. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative interventional consecutive case series study. PARTICIPANTS: Endonasal DCR was performed on 300 patients with complete nasolacrimal stenosis. METHODS: The uncinate process was resected (unciformian endonasal DCR), except when the lacrimal fossa was anterior to its insertion (23 cases [7.7%]). Preoperative clinical assessment and computed tomography scans, intraoperative endoscopic video recording, and postoperative clinical and endoscopic follow-ups were analyzed for reported endonasal DCR failure and complications. The mean follow-up was 13+/-12.6 months (range, 1-57). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure rate, nature, frequency, and time of intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of the 300 patients treated, 39 (13%) suffered from residual epiphora and no passage upon irrigation; there was secondary canalicular stenosis in 2 cases (0.6%), sump syndrome in 4 cases (1.2%), a distal stenosis from progressive healing closure of the ostium in 21 cases (7.0%), a recurrence of lacrimal mucocele in 5 cases (1.7%), and adhesions between the ostium and septum in 2 cases (0.6%). Access to the surgical site required an anterior middle turbinectomy in 103 cases (34.3%) and a septoplasty in 1 case (0.3%). Intraoperative bleeding was minor in 183 (60.6%), moderate in 82 (27.3%), and severe in 35 cases (11.6%). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 4 cases, and was controlled by packing. Transient frontal sinusitis (n = 1), nasal mucosa burn (n = 1), cacosmia (n = 8), phlebitis (n = 1), and maxillary pain (n = 8) also occurred. Orbital fat prolapse, cerebrospinal fluid leaking, cutaneous scarring, diplopia, and loss of vision did not occur. CONCLUSION: Complications from unciformian endonasal DCR may be less frequent or severe than with maxillary endonasal DCR, and comparable to or less frequent than those for external DCR.     

Safety and efficacy of adjunctive intranasal mitomycin C and triamcinolone in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

One of the common causes of failure in dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is mucosal scarring and fibrosis around the ostium. Steroid and mitomycin C (MMC) can potentially reduce scarring by their action on the inflammatory and proliferative phase of wound healing, respectively. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined usage of adjunctive MMC and intranasal triamcinolone (TA) in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EE-DCR). This is a retrospective interventional case series. All patients underwent mechanical EE-DCR in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong from January 2005 to December 2006 were included. All received intraoperative MMC application for 5 min and gelfoam soaked with TA onto the ostium. Main outcome measures include the anatomical and functional success rate at follow-up at least 6 months after operation. Other outcomes include complications occurred during and after operation. A total of 73 EE-DCR were performed in 69 patients. Three patients had simultaneous bilateral DCR; one had sequential DCRs for both sides. At the last follow-up, anatomical success was achieved in 68 cases (93 %) and both anatomical with functional success in 67 cases (92 %). No major complication was observed. Minor complications included asymptomatic mucosal adhesion between the nasal septum and lateral nasal wall in one patient and moderate secondary hemorrhage in another. EE-DCR with adjunctive MMC and TA is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of NLDO.     

Results of endoscopic endonasal non-laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is a procedure that presents itself as an alternative choice to the conventional external approach. This study describes the results of endoscopic endonasal non-laser lacrimal surgery. We reported the data of 64 procedures of 63 patients with epiphora or chronic dacryocystitis who underwent primary EN-DCR by means of a microdrill or revision EN-DCR. One of these cases had bilateral surgery. There were 42 women and 21 men. Thirty-four cases had primary EN-DCR and 30 cases had revision EN-DCR secondary to previously failed external DCR. Mean follow up time was 11.34 months. The procedure was successful in 79.4% of primary EN-DCR cases and in 80% of revision EN-DCR cases. The overall success rate was 79.6%. Postoperative complications included periorbital edema, eyelid ecchymosis, punctal granuloma, cyst of the punctum, adhesion between the superior and inferior punctum. Tube dislocation occurred in 3 patients. Premature loss of silicone tube was determined in 5 patients and granulation tissue occurred at the internal osteum in 11 cases. EN-DCR, when compared with external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR), has lower success rate, but provides the potential advantages of better intraoperative hemostasis, and lack of cutaneous scar.     

Lacrimal drainage obstruction and dacryocystorhinostomy in children

PURPOSE: To determine the outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children. METHODS: A review of medical records of 104 cases (82 patients) of paediatric DCR who underwent DCR at the Sydney Eye Hospital from 1995 to 2004. The main outcome measures included post-operative symptomatic relief of presenting symptoms, complications, subjective visibility of any scar, and general satisfaction. Statistical methods included chi(2) tests, and Student's t-tests for the comparison of variables among groups. RESULTS: Ninety-four external, 10 endoscopic primary procedures, and five revision procedures were included. Fifty-six of the cases were primary NLDO, and 48 were secondary NLDO. The mean follow-up was 1.44 years. Average age at surgery was 6.6+/-4.2 years (mean+/-SD). Ninety-one eyes needed DCR for the involvement of the lower lacrimal outflow system, and 13 eyes were NLDO associated with congenital punctual/canalicular dysgenesis.Most of the complications of external DCR were related to Jones tube placement. Five cases (4.8%) needed DCR revision. There was a significantly higher incidence of revision surgery in the non-stented group (P<0.01), and the Jones tube group (P<0.001) as compared with the silicone intubation stent group. CONCLUSIONS: External DCRs have acceptable long-term clinical and cosmetic results, and low post-operative complication rate. Cases with punctal stenosis or those requiring Jones tube insertion are associated with a higher complication rate. Silicone intubation is associated with a lower need for operative revision.     

Indikation und Prognose der Dakryozystorhinostomie im Kindesalter Eine klinische Studie 1970–2000

Background. Dacryocystitis in infants is a serious complication of congenital, but seldom of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstructions. If conservative treatment fails, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) appears to be effective. The indications, special clinical history and results will be reviewed. Patients and methods. From 1/1970 to 2/2000, a total of 72 children (56 male, 16 female) with persistent dacryocystitis (18 bilateral) were treated surgically by DCR and were continuously documented. The patients ranged in age from 10 months to 14 years old (mean age 4.9 years). Included in our study were 66 children (52 male, 14 female) with 84 surgically treated lacrimal ducts (46 right eyes, 38 left eyes) who underwent control examinations. Results. The cause of dacryocystitis was congenital obstruction in 63 children and trauma (maxillary fracture) in 3 children, respectively. Of these, 20 children (30.3%) had additional anomalies of the lacrimal system, 21 (31.8%) systemic malformations and 8 out of the 66 children (12.1%) had a family history of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Since 1985 the surgical procedures have been performed under microsurgery conditions and since 1998 sometimes with a transcanalicular laser-assisted technique. We found a functional success rate (with complete resolution of symptoms) of 90.4% (76 out of 84 lacrimal ducts) over follow-up periods ranging from 1 month to 12 years (average 1.6 years). Conclusion. Patients with persistent dacryocystitis due to congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction have a prevalence of further nasolacrimal abnormalities and a family history. The dacryocystorhinostomy of infants requires minimal invasive (sometimes laser-assisted) techniques. In the case of persistent dacryocystitis, DCR is indicated after the age of 1 year and has the same success rate in infants as in adults (90–95%).     

The treatment of acute dacryocystitis using laser assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

AIMS: To determine whether acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation can be successfully treated using laser assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: A protocol was adopted for the management of acute dacryocystitis presenting to an ophthalmology department. All patients were assessed jointly by an ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist for their suitability for primary internal drainage via a nasal endoscopic approach. All suitable patients during the study period August 1999 to November 2000 were managed by intravenous antibiotics and holmium:YAG laser dacryocystorhinostomy. RESULTS: Nine patients were studied (mean age 72 years (range 38-82 years), three men, six women). A history of chronic epiphora was found in 78% of patients, and recurrent nasolacrimal infections in the same 78%. Resolution of symptoms and signs of acute dacryocystitis occurred in all nine patients. No recurrence of acute dacryocystitis occurred during the median follow up period of 11 months (range 6-31 months). Ostium patency defined as the absence of epiphora and the observation of irrigated lacrimal fluorescein at the ostium was achieved in 67% of patients. Epiphora recurred in 33% of cases. CONCLUSION: Laser assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy is an effective primary treatment in cases of acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation. In addition, pre-existing symptoms of epiphora and recurrent nasolacrimal infections are relieved in the majority of patients.     

Functional and anatomic results after two types of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: surgical and holmium laser

PURPOSE: To determine subjective and objective outcomes after two types of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the use of the functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine consecutive adult patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: Patients underwent primary endonasal surgical or laser (Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [YAG]) DCR with temporary silicone intubation. MAIN OBJECTIVE MEASURES: Data were collected 6 months after surgery (at least 3 months after removal of tubes). Subjective results were based on the patients' symptoms of epiphora. Objective results consisted of (1) lacrimal system irrigation, (2) FEDT-this test is positive when dye placed in the conjunctival fornix is observed to enter the nasal space via the DCR rhinostomy, and (3) rhinostomy appearance. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients had endosurgical and 33 had endolaser (Holmium:YAG) DCR. Symptomatic success was 83% after endosurgical and 71% after endolaser DCR. Lacrimal irrigation was a good test after surgery for identifying patients with successful or unsuccessful outcome (sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 87%). The FEDT had a few false negatives and small number of false positives (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 91%). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic endonasal DCR performed surgically had better results than those achieved with Holmium:YAG laser alone (but did not reach statistical significance). The FEDT is useful in assessing rhinostomy patency and understanding the effects of surgery but was not as good as lacrimal irrigation in predicting symptomatic success.     

Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy for Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Patients with Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) surgery in patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with sarcoidosis undergoing EN-DCR in 6 practices from 1999–2011.

Results: We included 18 procedures in 14 patients (8 female, 6 male) who underwent EN-DCR for acquired NLDO secondary to sarcoidosis. The mean age was 53.7 (range 38–82). The presenting symptom in all cases was epiphora. Eight patients (57%) complained of having additional nasal congestion. Surgery was performed using endoscopic powered-type DCR with flaps in 12/18 (67%) and non-endoscopic mechanical EN-DCR in 6/18 (33%). In 15 (83%) cases the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa appeared abnormally yellowish, crusty, oedematous and friable. Five patients were treated with pre-operative oral steroid and overall 8 patients had oral prednisolone post operatively, 30–60?mg tapered within 10 days–8 weeks. One patient had difficulties in tapering down the oral steroids at 6 months of follow-up. All patients were free of epiphora and patent to syringing, with nasal endoscopy revealing free flow of fluorescein through the ostium at a mean follow-up of 11.3 months (median follow-up 9 months).

Conclusions: All 18 cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to sarcoidosis were treated successfully with EN-DCR. An abnormal appearance of the nasal mucosa is an important sign. Nasal congestion is a frequent sign. A successful outcome may not depend on intensive long-term therapy with local or systemic steroids. Mechanical or powered EN-DCR for nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to sarcoidosis achieves encouraging medium-term outcomes.     

The course of epiphora after failure of silicone intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Background One of the indications for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is failure of silicone intubation. We evaluated the course of epiphora after failure of silicone intubation for CNLDO when DCR was not performed.Methods In a comparative cohort study carried out at a tertiary referral center, ten eyes of seven consecutive children who had failure of silicone intubation manifested as persistent epiphora over 2 months and whose parents refused DCR were followed up for an average of 50.4 months (range 33–70 months). Three lacrimal drainage systems of three other children who had failure of silicone intubation underwent uneventful DCR.Results In eight (80%) of the ten consecutive eyes with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (six of the seven children, 86%), there was spontaneous complete resolution of the epiphora and normal dye disappearance test (DDT) at the end of the follow-up period. One child with Downs syndrome, allergic rhinitis, asthma and multiple site obstructions had improvement of symptoms but abnormal DDT. The epiphora in all three children who underwent DCR had disappeared by 6 months after surgery when the silicone tube was removed. No complications were noted during the follow-up.Conclusions Epiphora can spontaneously resolve after failure of silicone intubation in CNLDO, and DCR should no longer considered be compulsory in such cases unless complications evolve.The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in any of the products mentioned in this paper.Presented in part at the 107th American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA, November 2003.