Endoscopic Balloon Dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

Objectives: (1) Describe new endoscopic balloon technique for dacryocystorhinostomy. (2) Review preliminary outcomes of endoscopic balloon DCR. Methods: This study has 2 parts. The first entails a cadaver study looking at feasibility of applying balloon dilation technology to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Five cadavers (10 sides) were used to confirm the technique. All 10 nasolacrimal ducts were successfully cannulated and dilated with a 5 × 16 mm balloon via a 70° guide. The second part of the study details our preliminary experience using this technique in patients referred to a tertiary rhinology clinic for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Results: A total of 5 patients have enrolled in our prospective study. All patients were successfully cannulated. Follow-up ranges from 1 to 6 months. Resolution or decrease of preoperative epiphora has been noted in all 5 patients. Conclusions: Transnasal endoscopic balloon dilation of the nasolacrimal duct system may be a possible therapeutic option for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Furthermore, this may be a particularly attractive option for patients who are not candidates for a general anesthetic or cannot be taken off of anticoagulant medication. Further study is warranted.