Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: Our experience

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the outcome and safety of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (ENDO-DCR) with the use of silicon stents in nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Materials and methods: This study was done in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, from January 2013 to June 2015, with a total of 82 cases (10 cases with bilateral disease) who underwent a standardized procedure, with an endonasal approach to the lacrimal sac, surgical removal of nasal mucosa, lacrimal bone, and a fragment of the frontal process of the maxilla. The medial wall of the lacrimal sac was removed completely and canalicular silicone intubation tube was placed for 6 weeks postoperatively. Main outcome measures were resolution of epiphora, absence of discharge, and patency of the ostium confirmed by irrigation and endoscopic evaluation of neo-ostium at 6 weeks. Results: The ENDO-DCR procedure with adjunctive canalicular silicone intubation tube was successful in 78 (95%) cases. No significant complications were encountered during or after the operative period. Conclusion: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with canalicular silicon intubation for shorter duration (6 weeks) is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of NLDO in adults as well as in children, with a success rate of 95%.