Outcomes of 9 mm Balloon-Assisted Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Retrospective Review of 97 Cases

Abstract

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy procedures performed by a single surgeon utilizing a novel 9mm endonasal balloon.Methods: A retrospective clinical study was performed on 78 adult patients, 97 cases in total. All patients presented with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and underwent an endoscopic dacryocycstorhinostomy utilizing a 9 mm endonasal ballon. All patients completed follow-up from February 2003 to February 2009. Surgical success was defined as relief of epiphora and a patent surgical ostium demonstrated by free irrigation of saline through the nasolacrimal system 1 month after tube removal.Results: Surgical success was achieved in 89 of the 97 cases (92%) following the primary surgery. Only 3 cases had revision surgery following the primary procedure. One of the 3 was successful.Conclusion: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy utilizing a 9mm endonasal balloon has several advantages: it requires minimal instrumentation, does not require power drills or burrs, is quick with minimal bleeding, has a low complication rate, and a high success rate. Endoscopic balloon dacryocystorhinostomy offers a simpler endoscopic approach for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and is easily mastered by the Ophthalmic surgeon.