Analysis of the results of surgical endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: effect of the level of obstruction

AIM: One of the main factors in determining success rate of lacrimal surgery is the level of obstruction in the lacrimal drainage system. There are only few reports which quantify this, and none on endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: A case series of patients who had endoscopic DCR for anatomical obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system was performed. All patients who had lacrimal blockage referred to a district general hospital, irrespective of the level of blockage, had endoscopic DCR as the initial treatment by the authors. A total of 191 endoscopic DCRs were performed between 1994 and 1999. No other forms of lacrimal surgery were performed during this period. The level of the obstruction was assessed by the ophthalmologist before the operation and confirmed at surgery. All cases were followed up for a minimum of 6 months, and 96 cases were also reviewed 12 months after surgery. The outcome of the endoscopic DCR operation for each eye was categorised into complete cure, partial cure, or no improvement according to the degree of symptomatic relief following the operation. RESULTS: Complete relief from epiphora was achieved in 89% of cases overall at 6 months. The success rate in cases with lacrimal sac/duct obstruction (93%) or common canalicular blockage (88%) was comparable. In canalicular obstruction, however, the complete cure rate was lower at 54%. The benefit of the operation was maintained at 12 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the success rate of surgical (non-laser) endoscopic DCR is comparable to that reported for external DCR. Moreover, the technique is appropriate for initial treatment of patients with common canalicular or even canalicular obstruction.     

Paediatric dacryocystorhinostomy

Of 258 cases of dacryocystorhinostomy performed on children in the period September 1981 to September 1991, 130 were for simple, unresolved congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Other indications for surgery included punctal agenesis, lacrimal fistula, post-traumatic and post-inflammatory canalicular obstruction. Of 177 children without canalicular pathology, 171 (96%) were relieved of symptoms with one operation, without canalicular intubation. Of 81 cases with canalicular disease, 55 of 70 (79%) who underwent DCR plus canalicular intubation, and 10 of 11 who underwent DCR plus Lester-Jones tube, were substantially improved with one operation. No child required peroperative or postoperative blood transfusion. Dacryocystorhinostomy in childhood, in experienced surgical hands, is a safe procedure, achieving relief of symptoms in most cases, particularly in the absence of canalicular disease.     

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.     

Surgical Outcomes of Canalicular Trephination Combined with Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Distal or Common Canalicular Obstruction

PurposeThis study investigated the surgical outcomes of canalicular trephination combined with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with a distal or common canalicular obstruction. It also identified the factors affecting surgical success rates associated with this technique.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients (59 eyes) in whom a canalicular obstruction was encountered during endoscopic DCR. All patients were treated with endoscopic DCR, followed by canalicular trephination and silicone tube placement. The surgical outcome was categorized as a functional success according to the patient''s subjective assessment of symptoms, including epiphora, and as an anatomical success according to a postoperative nasolacrimal duct irrigation test. Surgical success rates were compared based on age, sex, location of the obstruction, number of silicone tubes, and experience of the surgeon.ResultsFunctional success was achieved in 55 of 59 eyes (93%) at one month, 50 eyes (84%) at three months, and 46 eyes (78%) at six months. Anatomical success was achieved in 58 of 59 eyes (98%) at one month, 52 eyes (88%) at three months, and 50 eyes (84%) at six months. There was a statistically significant difference in surgical outcome according to the experience of the surgeon. The anatomical success rate at the six-month follow-up exam was 95.4% in the >5 years of experience group, and 53.3% in the <5 years of experience group (p = 0.008, Pearson chi-square test).ConclusionsThe success rate of canalicular trephination combined with endoscopic DCR in patients with a distal or common canalicular obstruction decreased gradually during the six-month follow-up period. In particular, patients undergoing procedures with experienced surgeons tended to show excellent surgical outcomes at the six-month follow-up exam.     

激光泪道成形联合硅胶管植入术治疗上泪道阻塞的临床观察

目的:观察激光泪道成形联合硅胶管植入术治疗上泪道阻塞的临床效果。方法:上泪道阻塞患者128例148眼,全部有流泪病史,均经泪道冲洗检查确诊,行激光泪道成形联合硅胶管植入术,保留硅胶管1a,拔管后随访24mo,定期冲洗泪道,观察泪道通畅情况。结果:拔管后治愈120眼(81.08%),无流泪,泪道保持通畅;好转18眼(12.16%),流泪减轻,泪道通而不畅;无效10眼(6.76%),仍流泪,泪道冲洗不通。总有效率达93.24%。结论:激光泪道成形联合硅胶管植入术是治疗上泪道阻塞的有效方法。     

Effect of timing of external dacryocystorhinostomy on surgical outcome

PURPOSE: To present our experience with external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) outcome and to compare cases of early and late DCR. METHODS: Retrospective data review of all patients who had external DCR with silicone intubation in a 7-year period. Data were collected and analyzed concerning patients' preoperative and postoperative symptoms, and the lacrimal drainage system examination before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS: In all, 162 patients underwent 195 DCR surgeries for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Success was achieved in 81% of surgeries. Success rates were higher in patients who had early DCR (tearing only or early inflammatory signs of the lacrimal sac, 84% success) than in cases that had late DCR (more than 6 months after inflammation started, 77% success). These differences were statistically insignificant. Failure of DCR was much higher in posttraumatic DCR than in DCR for other etiologies. Complications (in 9% of surgeries) were generally mild and infrequent, except 1 case of meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, external DCR has good postoperative success with a low complication rate. Early DCR does not have a substantial advantage over late surgery with regard to surgical outcome.     

Results of the application of intraoperative mitomycin C in dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is widely accepted as the procedure of choice for surgical correction of lacrimal drainage system obstruction distal to common canaliculus in adulthood. The success rate of DCR has been reported to be from 63% to 99%. DCR failure has been attributed to membranous occlusion of the rhinostomy site caused by soft tissue scarring. More recently, use of mitomycin C (MMC) has been described in lacrimal drainage surgery. The beneficial effect of MMC as a surgical adjunct is thought to be related to its potent inhibition of fibroblast proliferation. METHODS: To improve the success rate of DCR, the authors used MMC as an adjunct to surgery in 130 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction undergoing lacrimal surgery. They were assigned randomly into a MMC DCR group and a regular DCR group (control group). RESULTS: The mean age of the MMC group was 40+/-15 years and that of the control group was 42+/-16 years. The standard surgical techniques of an external DCR were used in all patients of both groups. Patients were followed for 6 months. The authors evaluated the patients with subjective symptoms (improvement in tearing) and objective findings such as the height of tear meniscus, fluorescein dye test, and patency at the time of irrigation. There was no significant difference in the age between the two groups (p=1.00). Six patients in the mitomycin group were symptomatic after 6 months' follow-up; probe and irrigation showed non-patency of lacrimal system. The success rate in the MMC group was therefore 90.5% (59/65), and in the conventional group it was 92.4% (60/65). No significant difference between the two groups was present (p=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that the use of intraoperative MMC in DCR surgery does not change the success rate of this procedure.     

The efficacy of sleeve technique in primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction with a high lacrimal sac

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of a sleeve technique during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) patients with a high lacrimal sac.

Materials and Methods:

The medical records of 45 patients (49 cases) undergoing endoscopic DCR for primary NLDO with a high lacrimal sac were retrospectively reviewed. In 19 patients (21 cases), the thick maxilla covering the common canalicular opening was removed using a drill and a bicanalicular silicone tube was inserted (group 1). In 26 patients (28 cases), instead of removal of the thick maxilla, a sleeve was inserted into the bicanalicular silicone tube (group 2). At 6 months postoperatively, the success rate was evaluated and the size of the intranasal mucosal ostium was measured.

Results:

The success rates in group 1 and 2 was 90.5% and 96.4%, respectively (P =0.400). The intranasal mucosal ostium in group 1 and 2 measured 1.7 ± 0.7 mm and 3.1 ± 1.0 mm, respectively, and the difference was significant (P =0.042).

Conclusions:

In primary NLDO patients with a high lacrimal sac, DCR inserting a silicone tube and a sleeve together had a satisfactory success rate without using a drill. In comparison with traditional surgical methods, it helped enlarge the size of the intranasal mucosal ostium.     

Direct silicone intubation using Nunchaku-style tube (NST-DSI) to treat lacrimal passage obstruction

PURPOSE: To confirm the usefulness of direct silicone intubation using a Nunchaku-style tube (NST-DSI) for the treatment of lacrimal passage obstruction. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 54 cases (45 patients) of adult-onset lacrimal passage obstruction on which NST-DSI was performed. The cases were subdivided into two groups: 29 cases of common canalicular obstruction (the canalicular obstruction group) and 25 cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (the duct obstruction group). RESULTS: At the final examination, irrigating fluid passed readily through the lacrimal passage in 39 (72.2%) of the 54 cases. Twenty-two cases (75.9%) were successful in the canalicular obstruction group (29 cases) whereas 17 cases (68.0%) were successful in the duct obstruction group (25 cases). CONCLUSION: NST-DSI is an effective alternative to treat both common canalicular obstruction and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. We regard NST-DSI as the first choice for the treatment of lacrimal passage obstruction.     

Long-term results of closed nasolacrimal intubation in adults

PURPOSE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard surgical treatment for adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction. There have been relatively few studies of closed nasolacrimal duct intubation in adults. The aim of this study was to determine rates of anatomic patency following this procedure. METHODS: The authors carried out a survey of all patients undergoing closed nasolacrimal duct intubation as a primary procedure over a period of 3 years and 4 months. There were 32 eligible patients of whom 20 attended for review. RESULTS: A total of 75% of these cases had patent drainage after follow-up of between 6 months and 3 years. The proportion of patients with persistent patency after intubation was the same regardless of length of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive procedure of lacrimal intubation may have a role in some adults with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.     

Inaccuracy of diagnosis in a cohort of patients on the waiting list for dacryocystorhinostomy when the diagnosis was made by only syringing the lacrimal system

PURPOSE: Accurate identification of the factors contributing to epiphora is essential in directing appropriate management and treatment strategies. The authors applied a methodical strategy of assessment for epiphora to patients who were already on the waiting list for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The findings were compared to the original findings. METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 35 patients listed for DCR were re-examined. All canaliculi were examined using four tests: dye disappearance, Jones 1 (dye retrieval), probing using Bowman probes, and syringing of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) under local anesthesia. Some patients were examined using an endocanalicular mini-endoscope. Patients with NLD obstruction underwent DCR and those with canalicular and NLD stenosis underwent intubation of the lacrimal system-canaliculus, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct-using silicone stents. The authors refer to this as canaliculodacryocystoplasty (CDCP). The patients were assessed for symptoms of epiphora at 12 months. Forty-four eyes had been listed for DCR. They had been originally diagnosed, by means of lacrimal syringing, as NLD obstruction (24 eyes) or stenosis (12 eyes), and functional blocks (8 eyes). RESULTS: Four out of the original 44 planned DCR surgeries were performed after re-evaluation. After re-examination, 28 lacrimal systems were found to have canalicular stenosis, 4 NLD stenosis, 4 NLD obstruction, 4 punctal phimosis, 3 ocular surface disease, and 1 patient was asymptomatic. Twenty-eight lacrimal systems underwent CDCP, 4 underwent DCR, 4 had punctoplasty, and 4 had probing alone. Three had treatment for ocular surface disease and one patient required no treatment. After a follow-up of 12 months, 41 (93%) systems had improvement or were free of their CONCLUSIONS: Syringing of the lacrimal apparatus may result in a high false positive diagnosis of NLD obstruction. Canalicular pathology is not uncommon in this cohort of patients and may be underdiagnosed.     

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.     

Regulation of opticin on bioactivity of retinal vascular endothelial cells cultured in collagen

AIM: To investigate the effects of collagen and opticin on the bioactivity of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs), and explore its regulations by integrins and RhoA/ROCK1 signal pathway. METHODS: hRVECs were cultured in collagen and treated by opticin, and cell-based bioactivity assays of cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion were performed. The expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 were examined with real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Collagen could promote cell viability of proliferation and migration (all P<0.05), and enhance the mRNA expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 (all P<0.05). Opticin could inhibit proliferation and migration ability of hRVECs cultured in collagen, and reduce the mRNA expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Collagen and opticin can affect bioactivity of hRVECs, which may be regulated by α2-, β1-integrins and RhoA/ROCK1 signal pathway.     

观察KTP激光融通泪道阻塞后不同留置物的疗效对比

目的:观察泪道激光融通泪道阻塞后不同留置物对不同部位泪道阻塞的治疗效果的差异,并对结果进行分析。方法:各种原因所致泪道阻塞179例299眼。按照病因分成泪小管阻塞组43例74眼,鼻泪管阻塞组82例134眼,泪小管合并鼻泪管阻塞组54例91眼。泪小管阻塞患者随机分成两组,留置硅胶管组37眼,留置丝线组37眼。鼻泪管阻塞患者随机分成3组:留置硅胶管组44眼;留置丝线组44眼,留置T型泪道支撑管组46眼。泪小管合并鼻泪管阻塞患者随机分成两组:留置丝线联合T型泪道支撑管组45眼,留置带泪小管扩张管的硅胶泪道留置管组46眼。分别留置硅胶管、丝线、T型泪道支撑管、带泪小管扩张管的硅胶管。随访3~6mo,观察泪道引流泪液功能的恢复情况,并将各种疗效对比分析。结果:泪小管阻塞患者留置丝线:治愈率89.2％,有效率8.1％;留置硅胶管:治愈率62.2％,有效率21.3％。鼻泪管阻塞患者,留置丝线组:治愈率52.3%,有效率34.1％;留置硅胶管组:治愈率59.1％,有效率34.1％;留置T型泪道支撑管组:治愈率80.4％,有效率8.7％。泪小管合并鼻泪管阻塞患者,留置丝线联合T型泪道支撑管组:治愈率82.2%,有效率6.67％;留置带泪小管扩张管的硅胶管组:治愈率60.9%,有效率19.6％。结论:临床结果提示,泪道阻塞留置物的选择应该根据泪道阻塞的部位、阻塞的严重程度、病程、治疗情况、患者的依从性等从多方面综合考虑,针对每位患者的具体情况,个性化选择,力求达到最佳的治疗效果。     

Success rate and complications of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with unciformectomy

Background

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has been widely used to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Here, we evaluated the anatomical advantages of the uncinate process as a landmark and to study the effect of unciformectomy on success rate and complications of endonasal DCR .

Methods

In total, 288 eyes of 265 adult patients who underwent endonasal DCR between January 2003 and February 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The eyes were classified into two groups, according to whether unciformectomy was performed or not. All surgical procedures and surgical indications were the same except unciformectomy and endonasal DCR was performed by one surgeon. Unciformectomy was performed by resecting the anterior part of uncinate process.

Results

One hundred and eighty-six eyes of 168 patients received endonasal DCR with unciformectomy, and 102 eyes of 97 patients received endonasal DCR alone. The average success rate of endonasal DCR with unciformectomy was 97.8?% and that of endonasal DCR alone was 90.2?%, with statistically significant difference (Student's t-test, p-value?<?0.05). There were 14 eyes with post-operative nasolacrimal obstruction, caused by granuloma in five eyes, intranasal synechia in two eyes, membranous obstruction in six eyes, and canalicular stenosis in one eye. There were no serious complications such as orbital fat prolapse, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or delayed hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Anterior resection of the uncinate process gives improved access to the lacrimal bone by exposing the medial aspect of the lacrimal fossa and forming the precise location of the osteotomy on the lacrimal bone during endonasal DCR. Thus, the uncinate process can be used as an anatomical landmark for endonasal DCR. The unciformian endonasal DCR improves operation success rate by allowing access to the large space of the nasal cavity and reducing the synechiae of the nasal cavity.     

Trephination for Canalicular Obstruction: Experience in 45 Eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of a trephination procedure for resolution of primary canalicular obstruction or obstruction secondary to failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

Methods: Retrospective review of patients in a single surgeon’s practice who underwent trephination with Crawford tube insertion between 2001 and 2011, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Indications for surgery included symptomatic patients either with primary canalicular obstruction or secondary obstruction after a failed DCR.

Results: Trephination was carried out on 45 eyes of 43 patients; 78% were female, and average age at trephination was 61.0 years (range 32 to 89). Thirty-two eyes had previous DCR (75% endonasal, 25% external); mean interval of trephination after DCR was 1.4 years (range 0.3–9.1). Crawford stent tubes were left in-situ in 2 patients; in the remainder, tubes were removed at a mean interval of 5.6 months (range 0.3–20.6). The vast majority of presenting canalicular obstructions were in the common canalicus (73%). Sixteen eyes (36%) underwent a single trephination, and 29 eyes (64%) required repeat intervention; of these, 16 eyes had DCR (3 endonasal, 13 external) and 13 eyes had either repeat trephination with stenting (10 eyes) or repeat stenting alone (3 eyes). When separated into those with primary versus secondary obstruction, re-operation rate was similar in both groups (63% versus 69%). No patients developed complications after trephination.

Conclusions: Trephination is a simple and effective intervention for canalicular obstruction that allowed 64% of patients, through one or two procedures, to avoid the morbidity of DCR.     

泪道探通联合硅胶支撑管环形置入的临床应用

目的观察泪道探通联合泪道内硅胶支撑管环形置入在鼻泪管阻塞及泪小管断裂中的临床效果。方法对鼻泪管阻塞48例（53眼）及泪小管断裂24例（24眼）,共72例（77眼）,施行泪道探通联合泪道内硅胶支撑管环形置管治疗。结果术后随访6月～1年,治愈58眼,好转15眼,无效4眼。结论泪道探通联合泪道内硅胶支撑管环形置入是治疗鼻泪管阻塞及泪小管断裂的有效方法。     

Outcome of patients with nasolacrimal polyurethane stent implantation: do they keep tearing?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of nasolacrimal polyurethane stent implantation for the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the effects of obstructed nasolacrimal stent on subsequent dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: This study was designed as a nonrandomized, prospective clinical trial. Stent implantation was attempted in 53 obstructed lacrimal drainage systems of 47 patients. Stent placement was performed in a retrograde fashion through the external nare over a guide wire, which was introduced from the upper punctum. Occluded stents were removed either with nasal endoscopy or during DCR. External DCR surgery with silicone intubation was performed in cases with stent failure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 23.4 months. The success rate of stent implantation was 60.4%, 37.5%, and 31.2% at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up, respectively. Stent obstruction developed in 33 eyes. Twenty underwent external DCR with silicone intubation. During DCR surgery, varying degrees of chronic inflammatory reaction were detected in the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. The mean follow-up period after DCR was 10.3 months. Epiphora was relieved with DCR in all but one eye. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of nasolacrimal polyurethane stent implantation for the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is low and may induce inflammation and fibrous tissue formation. Although this may cause further difficulties in subsequent lacrimal surgery, epiphora could be relieved with meticulous technique.     

Postoperative failure rates with external DCR – an indication for surgical repair of canalicular occlusion

Summary Failures with external DCR have also been attributed to canalicular occlusion. Since 1976 we have documented all patients with surgical reconstruction of occluded canaliculi. The indication, different surgical methods of choice and functional prognosis were evaluated. Patients and methods: From 1976 to 1997 we have treated 272 cases. The surgical technique canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (n = 132) was performed in 45 %. Thirty operations (11 %) of occluded lacrimal canaliculi due to external DCR were done. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 79 years. We examined all 29 patients (10 male, 19 female) with 30 operations (1 patient was operated on in both eyes). Results: The surgical procedure was performed after an interval of 1 month to 24 years (average 4 years). Seven times a second external DCR was done. Special causes of canalicular obstruction were severe previous soft tissue and bone trauma (4 patients) and congenital defects (3 patients). Canaliculorhinostomy was performed 15 times, canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy 14 times and conjunctivorhinostomy once. Fifteen operations had good functional results (without any symptoms). Five patients had good irrigation, but a prolonged fluorescein dye disappearance test. There were 10 failures with complete closure of the canaliculi. Conclusion: If failure with external DCR is caused by canalicular occlusion, the microsurgical technique has a possible success rate for long-term results of about 50 %. Before hand, however, all prophylactic measures have to be taken to avoid this postoperative failure.      

Bicanalicular double silicone intubation in external dacryocystorhinostomy and canaliculoplasty for distal canalicular obstruction

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bicanalicular double silicone intubation in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and canaliculoplasty for distal or common canalicular obstruction. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction who had undergone bicanalicular double silicone intubation (insertion of two tubes into each canaliculus) during external DCR and canaliculoplasty. We reviewed the records of subjects who had undergone the same surgery with a bicanalicular single intubation as control material. The tubes were removed at around 6 months after surgery. Anatomical and functional success rates of patients who were followed up for > 2 months after the removal of tube(s) were evaluated. In addition, complications related to the silicone tube were evaluated. Results: Data for 60 eyes of 45 patients in the double‐intubation group and 69 eyes of 65 patients in the single‐intubation group were retrieved. The double‐intubation group showed higher anatomical success rates (96.5%) than the single‐intubation group (85.5%). Functional success was achieved by 53 (88.3%) of 60 eyes in the double‐intubation group and 56 (81.2%) of 69 eyes in the single‐intubation group. There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups. Conclusions: Bicanalicular double silicone intubation for DCR and canaliculoplasty may be an effective mode of treatment for patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction.