Common Canalicular Obstruction Research Articles

A STUDY ON THE OUTCOME OF SIMPLIFIED CANALICULO-DCR IN NORTH EAST NDIA

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and its complications following modied canaliculo-DCR. Materials and methods: 100 patients with common canalicular obstruction were selected and were evaluated by history, syringing, diagnostic probing and dacryocystography in doubtful cases. The surgical technique included construction of boney ostium and anterior aps, excision of canalicular block, bicanalicular intubation of silicon tube and suturing the anterior aps followed by closure of the wound. Data were collected in a standard data collection format which included age, sex, type of block, observation of operative procedure, complications encountered and success rate of the technique. Common canalicular Results: obstruction was found more commonly in the age group of 41-50yrs, out of which 56% were females. Membranous block was more compared to proximal block. The successs rate was 78%. The most common intraoperative complication is haemorrhage and post operative complication is infection. Modied canaliculo-DCR Conclusion: is a successful and most standard operative procedure to manage the cases of common canalicular block with >8 mm patent canaliculus, though it requires higher grades of technical skill.

Outcomes of canalicular trephination versus canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in common canalicular blocks.

AIM:This study aimed to compare the outcomes and efficacy of canalicular trephination with monocanalicular stenting and canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (canaliculoDCR) with silicone intubation.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A prospective comparative study was done in 30 patients (30 eyes) with common canalicular blocks who were randomized into two groups. Fifteen patients underwent canalicular trephination with monocanalicular stenting and 15 patients underwent canaliculoDCR with silicone intubation. Common canalicular obstruction was diagnosed by preoperative syringing and the location of block was confirmed on probing. Stents were kept in both the groups for 3 months and followed up till 6 months postoperatively. Success was defined based on both anatomical and functional outcomes. Anatomical success was defined by the free passage of fluid on syringing with the fluid felt in the throat. Functional success was defined in terms of relief from epiphora based on the subjective opinion and its categorization by Kraft and Crawford's grading and the fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT).RESULTS:Eighty percent of eyes in canalicular trephination group and 73.3% of eyes in canaliculoDCR group were anatomically patent on syringing at the final follow-up. Sixty-six percent of eyes in trephination group and 53.3% in canaliculoDCR group were reported to have absent epiphora (complete recovery). Ten eyes in both groups had Grade 0 and 1 FDDT indicating a functional success of 66.6% in both groups.CONCLUSIONS:Canalicular trephination can produce results comparable to canaliculoDCR with silicone intubation in cases of common canalicular blocks. The average duration of surgery is significantly less in canalicular trephination which gives this procedure an added advantage.

Arrugas Bone Trephine Assisted Flapless Dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C Versus External Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Hospital Based Comparative Study.

Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common ophthalmic condition and has conventionally been managed by external dacryocystorhinostomy. However this procedure is time consuming and involves making mucosal flaps. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcome in Arrugas bone trephine-assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C versus conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy. This is a retrospective non-randomized study of surgical outcome in patients of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent an Arrugas bone trephine assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C (group A) versus those who underwent conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy (group B) in a teaching hospital in North India. Patients with previously failed dacryocystorhinostomy, lacrimal fistula, canalicular and common canalicular obstruction were excluded. Success was defined as patent syringing at the end of one year. Surgical time was calculated from skin incision to skin suturing. There was complete resolution of epiphora with patent syringing in 43 out of 52 patients in group A, while in group B, 47 out of 55 patients had complete resolution of epiphora with patent syringing at the end of one year (p= 0.77). Mean surgical time was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (p=<.05). Scarring and closure of the ostium was the most common cause of failure in both groups (Group A, n=5, 9.6%; Group B, n= 3, 5.45%). Arrugas bone trephine-assisted flapless dacryocystorhinostomy with Circumosteal - Mitomycin C is a viable alternative to conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy with comparable success rate and shorter surgical time and a faster learning curve.

Proximal lacrimal obstructions: a review.

The aims of the review are to summarize the aethiopathogenesis, management and outcomes of different treatments of proximal lacrimal obstructions. An electronic database (PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar) search of all articles written in English and non-English language with abstract translated to English on proximal lacrimal obstructions was performed. The articles were reviewed along with their relevant cross references. Data reviewed included demographics, presentations, investigations, management, complications and outcomes. Punctoplasty is as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent in case of punctal stenosis. Dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation is more effective in case of proximal canalicular obstructions than in case of mid-canalicular obstructions. Trephination and intubation is effective in both mid and distal canalicular obstructions in patients with no associated nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy has a specific indication in case of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the preferred treatment if there is no residual patency, however surgical success may not match patient satisfaction. Optimal choice of surgical method depends on identification of the site of obstruction. Mini-invasive techniques should be avoided in cases that would only benefit from standard surgical treatment.

Management of proximal lacrimal obstructions: a rationale.

To identify a rationale for correct surgical treatment of proximal lacrimal obstructions. Retrospective review of 775 consecutive patients (974 eyes) with proximal lacrimal obstructions, operated on with customized surgery by a senior surgeon (FMQL) from January 2003 to December 2018. In case of punctal stenosis, punctoplasty was as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent (p > 0.05). In proximal canalicular obstructions, failure rate of dacrocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation (R-DCR) was significantly higher in case of false inferior passage creation than in case of no false passage creation (p = 0.02). In mid-canalicular obstructions failure rate of R-DCR was 41.3%, and bypass surgery with Jones tube at second stage was likely. Trephination and monocanalicular intubation, performed in selected cases, had a failure rate respectively of 16.6% and 21.7% in mid and distal canalicular obstructions. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) was successful in 77% of cases of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the treatment of choice in case of no residual patency, and rates of tube extrusion were significantly reduced with the use of StopLoss Jones tubes (SLJT) (1.7%) with respect to standard tubes (12%), (p = 0.04, Fisher's exact test). Patient history and accurate diagnosis of the site of obstruction are essential for a correct surgical choice. Less invasive techniques as trephination and intubation may be effective, but should be reserved to patients with no associated lower lacrimal obstruction. Further studies require specific randomized clinical trials, and a standardized protocol adopted by different clinical centres.

Endoscopic transnasal canaliculorhinostomy for refractory common canalicular obstruction with an unidentifiable lacrimal sac.

To describe the role of endoscopic transnasal canaliculorhinostomy (ETC) in refractory common canalicular obstruction (CCO) associated with an absent or unidentifiable lacrimal sac. The records of patients with refractory CCO who underwent ETC at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from October 2007 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-six patients (56 eyes) with refractory CCO were recruited into the study. Eight patients were excluded due to the presence of a residual lacrimal sac or failure to complete the follow-up duration. The anatomic and functional success rates were both 85.4% (41/48) at a mean follow-up of 18.6mo. Five cases failed as a result of ostial synechia and two failed because of ostial obstruction by granulation. Postoperative complications included mild nasal bleeding in 5 cases, dried nasal feeling in 8 cases, and olfactory dysfunction in 4 cases. Although being surgically challenging, ETC has comparable findings to its external approach counterpart or conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with Jones tube. And it may prove to be a novel alternate surgical technique for patients with refractory CCO without identifiable lacrimal sac.

In Vivo Morphological Study of Common Canalicular Orifice and Its Impact on Lacrimal Probing.

To study the in vivo morphology of common canalicular/lacrimal sac mucosal folds (CLS-MFs) and their relationship with probing findings. Consecutive cases undergoing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy had endoscopic examination of the internal canalicular orifice (ICO). Details of CLS-MFs folds, probing findings, and outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy were analyzed. Thirty-six lacrimal systems of 34 patients (mean age, 58 years; 7 males, 27 females) were examined. All 36 lacrimal systems had a single common canalicular orifice entering the lacrimal sac (100%). Overall, 61.1% (22/36) had visible CLS-MFs, out of which only 13.6% (3/22) were overhanging the ICO requiring manipulation of the probe to enter the lacrimal sac. The orientation of folds was superior 180° in 2, posterosuperior in 2, posterior in 6, inferior 180° in 6, and inferior 270° (excluding 10-2'o clock quadrant) in 6 systems. Two cases preoperatively labeled as having common canalicular obstruction, based on lacrimal syringing, had CLS-MFs impacting against the ICO without any anatomical obstruction. One of 5 cases with lacrimal sac mucocele had CLS-MFs located along the posterosuperior edge extending for 270°, which resulted in a soft stop on preoperative lacrimal syringing findings. Only 1 case had a true membrane (2.7%) overlying the ICO, which required excision. No differences in outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy were observed between cases with CLS-MFs versus without any folds. CLS-MFs display a wide variation in terms of morphological location and extent along the ICO. They might be responsible for the false soft stop observed in some cases on preoperative syringing and do not require excision.

Failure in Revision Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Study of Surgical Technique and Etiology.

The aim of this study is to assess the etiologic factors of primary dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) failure according to DCR techniques and also to determine risk factors for the prediction of failure in revision external DCR. Retrospective review was performed in patients who underwent revision external DCR for previous DCR failure between 2008 and 2018. All patients underwent full ophthalmic and intranasal examination, lacrimal probing, and irrigation. Patients were classified into following groups according to previous DCR type: external, endoscopic endonasal, and transcanalicular laser DCR. Potential etiologic factors were compared between 3 groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for failure in revision external DCR. About 115 eyes from 109 patients constituted the external (50.4%), endonasal (31.3%), and laser (18.3%) DCR groups. Among 27 (23.5%) patients with intranasal pathologies, septal deviation (33.3%) is the most common finding. The commonest cause of failure was inadequate ostium size in external (37.9%), endonasal (36.1%), and laser (66.7%) DCR groups. Inadequate ostium size and cicatricial lacrimal ostium scarring were observed significantly more common in the laser (P = 0.047) and external DCR group (P = 0.043), respectively. The success rate for revision external DCR was 85.2%. Canalicular or common canalicular obstruction (P = 0.032), intranasal pathology (P = 0.003), and bilateral obstruction (P = 0.025) demonstrated a significant independent association with failure in revision external DCR. Inadequate ostium size was the most common cause of failure in primary external, endonasal, and laser DCR. Canalicular or common canalicular obstruction, intranasal pathology, and bilateral lacrimal obstruction were significant predictors of failure in revision external DCR.

Dacryoendoscopy-assisted nasal endoscopic marsupialization for congenital dacryocystocele

ObjectiveTo examine the surgical outcome of dacryoendoscopy-assisted nasal endoscopic marsupialization for congenital dacryocystocele. MethodsThis is a retrospective, observational study that included 7 sides of 6 patients with congenital dacryocystocele. The surgical indication in 5 of the patients was acute dacryocystitis while one of the patients had no spontaneous resolution after long-term observation. Dacryoendoscopy was used for visualisation of the lacrimal cavity, direct probing of the obstruction at the common canaliculus, and localisation of a deflated intranasal cyst after an initial incision of the cyst. Surgical success was defined when the following postoperative conditions were satisfied: no epiphora, normal tear meniscus height, and complete clearance of the dye 5 min after instilling a drop of 2% fluorescein solution into the inferior conjunctional fornix. ResultsOut of 6 patients, 2 patients were noted to have membranous common canalicular obstruction. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 11 days to 3 months. Surgical success was achieved in all patients without any complication. ConclusionsDacryoendoscopy-assisted nasal endoscopic marsupialization is an effective surgical management for congenital dacryocystocele.

Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Revision Surgery for Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy With or Without Distal or Common Canalicular Obstruction.

To report the outcomes of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery for failed dacryocystorhinostomy with/without distal or common canalicular obstruction. The medical records and recorded videos of consecutive transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries performed for failed dacryocystorhinostomy between May 2011 and May 2015 were reviewed. Cases of unavailability of video and cases lost to follow up after surgery were excluded from the study. With respect to the level of obstruction, lacrimal drainage systems were divided into Group 1 (obstruction at the level of the ostium) and Group 2 (obstruction at the level of the distal or common canaliculus). Data associated with anatomical and functional success were analyzed. Revision dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries were performed on 68 patients during the study period. Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries were performed on 48 eyes of 39 patients. Mean follow-up period after revision surgery was 13.3 ± 12.6 months. Overall, anatomical success rate was 83.3% (40/48) and functional success rate was 68.8% (33/48). Anatomical success rates and functional success rates in the 2 groups showed no significant difference (80.0% [24/30] vs. 86.7% [13/15], p = 0.699; 70.0% [21/30] vs. 66.7% [10/15], p = 1.000, respectively). Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery may be an alternative technique for failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Distal or common canalicular obstruction did not affect the outcomes of revision surgeries.

Evaluation of planned bicanalicular nasolacrimal tube retention in treating punctal stenosis or occlusion secondary to trachoma

ABSTRACTThis article evaluates retaining bicanalicular silicone nasolacrimal tube in patients susceptible to restenosis after punctoplasty. Sixty-nine eyes (38 patients) suffering from epiphora due to stenosis or occlusion of both punctae were included in this prospective study. All had 3 snip punctoplasty and bicanalicular silicone nasolacrimal duct insertion. Cases associated with proximal canalicular stenosis or obstructions were excluded. Tolerance to tube presence until the time of loss or removal was evaluated using a score (0 to 2). Average age was 49.71 ± 11.09 years. Tachomatous lesions were detected in all cases of punctal stenosis (48 eyes/69.57%) and membranous occlusion (21 eyes/30.43%). Common canalicular obstruction was additionally found in 12 eyes (17.39%). Absolute improvement was detected in 85% of cases and mean time for tube retention was (29.6 ± 10.2 months) with no difference in presence of common canalicular obstruction (P value: 0.138). Isolated punctal affection favoured tube retention that was well tolerated throughout the follow-up period (P value <0.001). Silicone bicanalicular nasolacrimal tube is an available option for treating acquired punctal stenosis. It is tolerated especially in cases suffering from isolated punctal stenosis. Tube retention could be of value in patients who are at risk of re-occlusion following tube removal.

Surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy and risk factors for functional failure: a 10-year experience

To analyze the surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the risk factors associated with functional failure. We reviewed the medical records of 769 patients who underwent external DCR for primary lacrimal drainage obstruction between 2005 and 2014. Recorded data included intraoperative anatomical findings, postoperative diagnosis, and surgical outcomes. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for functional failure. Of the 769 cases, primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) was diagnosed in 457 cases; common canalicular obstruction in 228 cases; and canalicular obstruction in 84 cases. Anatomical success was achieved in 98.8% (760/769) and functional success in 81.9% (630/769) of the cases. An analysis of 760 anatomically successful DCRs showed that common canalicular obstruction (OR=1.752, P=0.014) and canalicular obstruction (OR=2.058, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for functional failure. In a subgroup analysis of patients with primary NLDO, patients with a small lacrimal sac had a significantly higher risk of functional failure (OR=2.500, P=0.018). The overall surgical outcomes of external DCR were favorable in this case series. Site of obstruction was an important risk factor for functional failure in cases with primary lacrimal drainage obstruction. A small lacrimal sac was also found to be a risk factor for functional failure in cases with primary NLDO.

Intraoperatively Observed Lacrimal Obstructive Features and Surgical Outcomes in External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

PurposeTo analyze the features of lacrimal drainage system obstruction confirmed during external dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries and report the surgical outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of a total of 769 cases who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy for primary lacrimal drainage obstruction between 2005 and 2014. Data about detailed location and extent of obstruction were collected intraoperatively. The sites of obstruction were classified into nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), common canalicular obstruction (CCO), and canalicular obstruction. Lacrimal sac mucosa and lumen were grossly inspected, and the frequency of lacrimal sac changes, such as significant inflammation or fibrosis, was analyzed in cases of CCO or canalicular obstruction. The surgical success rate was also evaluated including effect of lacrimal sac status in the CCO and canalicular obstruction groups.ResultsOf 769 cases, primary NLDO with patent canaliculi was diagnosed intraoperatively in 432 cases (56.2%), CCO in 253 (32.9%), and canalicular obstruction in 84 (10.9%). Of 253 cases with CCO, 122 (48.2%) showed clear lacrimal sac lumen, and the other 131 (51.8%) showed significant inflammation or fibrosis of the lacrimal sac. In cases with canalicular obstruction, 35 of 84 (41.7%) showed a clear lacrimal sac, and the other 49 cases (58.3%) cases revealed mucosal changes of the lacrimal sac. The functional success rate was 87.5% for primary NLDO, 75.5% for CCO, and 72.6% for canalicular obstruction. In the CCO group, the functional success rate was lower in cases with significant lacrimal sac change (p = 0.044).ConclusionsEven in patients with CCO or canalicular obstruction, a large number of cases have lacrimal sac changes, and those changes were associated with lower functional success rate.

Comparison of the Efficacies of 0.94 mm and Double Silicone Tubes for Treatment of Canalicular Obstruction.

PurposeTo compare the clinical effects of the single wide-diameter bicanalicular silicone tube and the double bicanalicular silicone tube in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with canalicular trephinization for canalicular obstruction.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 121 patients with monocanalicular or common canalicular obstruction who had undergone endonasal DCR with random bicanalicular insertion of either double silicone tubes (insertion of two tubes into each canaliculus) or a single wide-diameter (0.94 mm) silicone tube. The tubes were removed at around 3 months after surgery.ResultsThis study included 79 eyes of 61 patients in the double-tube intubation group and 68 eyes of 60 patients in the single wide-diameter tube intubation group. Anatomical success, evaluated by syringing, was achieved in 72 of the 79 eyes (91.1%) in the double-tube intubation group and 60 of the 68 eyes (88.2%) in the single wide-diameter tube intubation group. Functional success was achieved in 65 of the 79 eyes (82.3%) in the double-tube intubation group and 61 of the 68 (89.7%) eyes in the single wide-diameter tube intubation group. There were no significant differences in the success rates of surgery between the two groups. One patient in the double-tube intubation group underwent conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) and two in the wide-diameter tube intubation group underwent CDCR or reintubation to treat recurrence.ConclusionsIntubation using a single wide-diameter tube during endonasal DCR is as effective as double-tube intubation for the treatment of canalicular obstruction, with a lower rate of complications such as inflammation or patient discomfort.

A prospective outcome study of membranous and solid distal common canalicular obstructions.

To prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of membranous and solid distal common canalicular obstructions (CCOs) following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) and lacrimal intubation combined with either membranotomy or trephination. This was a prospective, non-randomized, consecutive interventional case series. Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing EnDCR with evidence of a membranous block or more solid obstruction of the distal common canaliculus, treated with membranotomy or canalicular trephination. Complete CCO was confirmed pre-operatively using dacryocystography and dacryoscintigraphy. All patients received bicanalicular intubation for 3 months with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Functional and anatomical success was assessed at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months following surgery. Functional success was defined as subjective improvement of epiphora and anatomical success as the presence of a patent ostium and a positive dye test on nasal endoscopy. Twenty-nine patients were included in the study with a mean age of 58 years. Twenty-one patients (72%) received a membranotomy and eight (28%) required trephination. At 12 months, the functional and anatomical success rate in the membranotomy group was 90% (19/21) and 100% (21/21), respectively, and in trephination group the functional and anatomical success rate was 63% (5/8). There were no intra-operative or lacrimal stent-related complications. Identifying and excising distal CCOs in association with EnDCR and lacrimal intubation is associated with a high degree of functional (83%) and anatomical (90%) success. The success of membranous obstructions appear be superior to outcomes for solid obstructions of the distal common canaliculus that require trephination.

Mini Monoka Stent Insertion for the Management of Epiphora Secondary to Canalicular Obstruction or Stenosis

Background/Aims: To assess the outcomes of Mini monoka lacrimal stent insertion in the management of epiphora in adults caused by inferior or common canalicular duct obstruction or stenosis.Methods: A retrospective study was performed selecting consecutive patients at Hobart Eye Surgeons, from Oct 2007 to Mar ’08 who had Mini Monoka stents inserted for epiphora secondary to confirmed obstruction/stenosis in either inferior or common canaliculus. These patients had their stents routinely removed after six weeks.Results: There were a total of 36 eyes (31 patients) included in the study and 31 eyes (83.7%) showed subjective improvement in epiphora. One patient was lost to follow up and 5 eyes showed no improvement.Conclusion: In this first case series which used Mini Monoka stents to treat epiphora, there was a high success rate in improvement of epiphora. Further research is warranted to further validate its use into routine clinical practice.

Results of Silicone Tube Intubation in Patients with Common Canalicular Obstruction in Dacryocystography

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of silicone tube intubation in patients showing common canalicular obstruction in dacryocystography. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 136 eyes of 93 patients who underwent silicone tube intubation and who were followed for more than 6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the normal canaliculus group (112 eyes of 72 patients) and the common canalicular obstruction group (24 eyes of 21 patients). The demographic characteristics, degree of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on probing, and functional and anatomical success rates of silicone tube intubation were compared between the two groups. Surgery success was noted when the patient was satisfied with the ‘improved’ tearing symptom and the tear meniscus height decreased. Results: On probing, 17 (70.8%) of 27 eyes revealed definite obstructive feeling at nasolacrimal duct in the common canalicular obstruction group, and there was no significant difference compared to the normal canaliculus group (p = 0.639). The anatomical success rate of silicone tube intubation was 91.1% in the normal canaliculus group and 83.3% in the common canalicular obstruction group, and the functional success rate was 85.7% in the normal canaliculus group and 75.0% in the common canalicular obstruction group. There were no significant differences in success rates between the two groups (p = 0.271, p = 0.161, respectively). Conclusions: Silicone tube intubation can be considered as a primary treatment option for management of common canalicular obstruction. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2015;56(12):1821-1825

Surgical Outcomes of Canalicular Trephination Combined with Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Distal or Common Canalicular Obstruction.

PurposeThis study investigated the surgical outcomes of canalicular trephination combined with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with a distal or common canalicular obstruction. It also identified the factors affecting surgical success rates associated with this technique.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients (59 eyes) in whom a canalicular obstruction was encountered during endoscopic DCR. All patients were treated with endoscopic DCR, followed by canalicular trephination and silicone tube placement. The surgical outcome was categorized as a functional success according to the patient's subjective assessment of symptoms, including epiphora, and as an anatomical success according to a postoperative nasolacrimal duct irrigation test. Surgical success rates were compared based on age, sex, location of the obstruction, number of silicone tubes, and experience of the surgeon.ResultsFunctional success was achieved in 55 of 59 eyes (93%) at one month, 50 eyes (84%) at three months, and 46 eyes (78%) at six months. Anatomical success was achieved in 58 of 59 eyes (98%) at one month, 52 eyes (88%) at three months, and 50 eyes (84%) at six months. There was a statistically significant difference in surgical outcome according to the experience of the surgeon. The anatomical success rate at the six-month follow-up exam was 95.4% in the >5 years of experience group, and 53.3% in the <5 years of experience group (p = 0.008, Pearson chi-square test).ConclusionsThe success rate of canalicular trephination combined with endoscopic DCR in patients with a distal or common canalicular obstruction decreased gradually during the six-month follow-up period. In particular, patients undergoing procedures with experienced surgeons tended to show excellent surgical outcomes at the six-month follow-up exam.

Two Cases of Skin Necrosis after Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in Young Women

Purpose: To report 2 cases of skin necrosis over the medial canthus following canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in young women diagnosed with canalicular obstruction. Case summary: (Case 1) A 31-year-old female presented to our clinic with epiphora in the right eye that had developed 2 years prior. On examination, a right upper and lower canalicular obstruction was noted and the patient underwent canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube intubation. Topical 0.04% mitomycin-C eyedrops were applied twice a day from postoperative day 1 for 7 days. The patient revisited our emergency center with swelling, redness, and tenderness in the medial canthal region that developed 3 days after the initial surgery. Furthermore, a skin ulceration had developed followed by an exudative oozing with crust. (Case 2) A 23-years-old female visited our clinic with epiphora in the right eye that had developed 3 months prior. Ophthalmic examinations revealed a common canalicular obstruction in the right eye and canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube intubation was performed. Seven days postoperatively, the patient developed mild pain and tenderness over the right lacrimal sac and medial canthal erythema with purulent discharge was noted. Furthermore, a localized skin necrosis had developed. Conclusions: Localized skin necrosis may rarely develop after canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in young women. If localized skin symptoms develop postoperatively, the patient should be closely monitored. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2015;56(11):1798-1803

Evidence-based review of surgical practices in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and other new indications.

To review the current surgical practices in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) from the studies of last 12 months. Success rates in EN-DCR now rival those of the conventional external approach. Indications are expanding beyond primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction to include DCR revisions, acute lacrimal sac abscesses, nasolacrimal duct obstructions in patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation, and common canalicular obstructions. There is limited evidence that intubation with silicone stents improves the outcomes. Mitomycin C appears to improve the success rates of EN-DCR, especially revision surgery. Concomitant procedures, such as septoplasty and anterior middle turbinectomy, are sometimes required in primary as well as revision EN-DCR to achieve high success rates. There is increasing evidence that silicone stents are of limited benefit, whereas mucosal flap formation has been of benefit in case series. With innovations and improvements in the endonasal approach, EN-DCR has become a viable alternative to external DCR for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. EN-DCR has the distinct advantages of no surface scar and a lack of damage to the pump mechanism that often occur with external DCR. Recent evidence indicates a comparable success rate to external DCR.