Lacrimal drainage capacity and symptomatic improvement after dacryocystorhinostomy in adults presenting with patent lacrimal drainage systems

AIM. To determine the rate of symptomatic improvement after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with epiphora and insignificant obstruction to preoperative lacrimal syringing, and to measure the conductance of the postoperative lacrimal drainage anastomosis. METHODS. Retrospective cohort study of patients with symptomatic epiphora and patent tear ducts, with at least two-year follow-up after DCR. Patients underwent structured telephone interview together with clinical examination for lacrimal drainage capacity using the saline drop test.(1) RESULTS. Thirty-seven of 383 adult patients having had DCR were noted to have patent tear ducts at preoperative examination. Ten patients with previous surgery were excluded and two other patients were excluded because of other factors contributory to epiphora. Of the remaining 25 patients, 22 (aged 35-75 years at surgery; median 56 years) underwent a structured telephone interview: Of the 13 (60%) who felt that symptoms had improved, 9 (41%) were relieved of indoor epiphora and 11 (50%) thought the procedure was an overall success. Seventeen patients underwent clinical examination. The lacrimal drainage anastomosis was patent in all patients and the saline drop test result was well within the normal range in 3/4 patients who had persistent indoor epiphora. CONCLUSION. Of patients with epiphora due to minor nasolacrimal duct stenosis, open DCR produces a marked improvement or cure of symptoms in 50%. The lacrimal drainage capacity was well within the normal range in 3/4 patients with persistent postoperative lacrimal symptoms, suggesting that other factors (such as hypersecretion) may be significant in this group of patients with 'functional block'.