Partial lacrimal carunculectomy: a simple procedure for epiphora.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of partial surgical excision of enlarged lacrimal caruncles, termed megalocaruncles, in patients with epiphora from functional lacrimal drainage obstruction. Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. From May 1995 through December 1999, 88 patients (46 women and 42 men; mean age, 68 years) with epiphora, patent lacrimal drainage system on irrigation, and a megalocaruncle underwent a partial lacrimal carunculectomy procedure. In 26 patients, a bilateral partial lacrimal carunculectomy was performed. Lacrimal caruncular tissue, with its overlying mucosa, was partially excised, and the wound was closed with interrupted sutures. Symptomatology and patient satisfaction. After a partial lacrimal carunculectomy procedure, epiphora was subjectively improved in 77% of the patients, ranging from complete relief in 33% to significant improvement in 44% of the patients. Twenty-three percent of the patients had no change in symptoms. The mean follow-up was 12.7 months. Megalocaruncles can be the cause of epiphora in patients with functional lacrimal drainage obstruction, for whom a partial lacrimal carunculectomy is an effective surgical procedure in 77% of the cases.