Simultaneous bilateral external dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

To assess the outcome and complications of simultaneous bilateral external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery. The records of all patients who underwent bilateral external DCR in a single session between November 1999 and October 2005 were reviewed. The study cohort comprised 59 patients (50 females, nine males; age range: 6-72 years; mean age: 49 years). Nasolacrimal duct obstruction was acquired primarily in 54 patients, congenitally in three and secondary to sinonasal surgery in two. Thirteen eyes of eight patients had a history of unsuccessful lacrimal surgery. The operation was performed under local anaesthesia plus sedation in 54 patients (92%). Total intraoperative haemorrhage varied from 3 mL to 200 mL (median: 17 mL; mean: 37 mL). Excessive intraoperative haemorrhage (= 100 mL) occurred in five patients (9%). Total duration of surgery varied between 70 and 140 min, with an average of 89 min. Postoperatively, early bleeding requiring intranasal tamponade developed in one patient (2%) and bilateral wound infection in one patient (2%). Surgical success rate was 95%. Mean follow-up time was 8.8 months (range: 3-38 months). This study supports that the simultaneous bilateral external DCR surgery may not adversely affect surgical success and complication rates.