Results of endoscopic endonasal non-laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Doc Ophthalmol. 2002 Jul;105(1):57-62. doi: 10.1023/a:1015702902769.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dacryocystorhinostomy* / methods*
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reoperation