External Dacryocystorhinostomies Research Articles

Endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy: A therapeutic proposal for distal acquired lacrimal obstructions.

Endoscopic (END-DCR) and external dacryocystorhinostomies (EXT-DCR) are nowadays considered the gold standard techniques for non-oncologic distal acquired lacrimal disorders (DALO). However, no unanimous consensus has been achieved on which of these surgeries is the most suitable to the individual patient. Herein, we review the available literature of the last 30 years with the aim of defining a simple and reproduceable treatment algorithm to treat DALO. A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was last performed in December 2021 to examine evidence regarding the role of END-DCR and EXT-DCR in primary and revision surgeries. If considered primary surgeries, END-DCR should be preferred in case of intranasal comorbidities, given the possibility to directly visualize and treat potential intranasal pathologies. Conversely, EXT-DCR should be chosen in case of need/preference for local anesthesia, given the major historical experience and wider surgical field that helps to resolve intra-operatory complications (e.g., bleeding) in an uncollaborative patient. In the absence of the abovementioned conditions, the decision of one or other approach should be discussed with the patient. In recurrent cases, END-DCR should be considered the treatment of choice given the major likelihood to visualize the causes of primary failure and directly resolve it. In conclusion, END-DCR should be considered the treatment of choice in revision cases or in primary ones associated with intranasal pathologies, whereas EXT-DCR should be chosen if local anesthesia is needed. In the absence of these scenarios, it is still open to debate which of these two approaches should be used.

The importance of clinical presentation on long-term outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomies: Our experience on 245 cases.

External dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) is a surgical approach commonly used to treat post-canalicular acquired lacrimal obstruction whose success rate has been described, equally with endoscopic DCR, to be superior to other available treatments. At San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (Italy), from January 2008 to December 2020, 245 EXT-DCRs were performed. All patients underwent routine pre-operative work-up including Jones tests and probing and irrigation of the lacrimal pathway; when necessary, a multidisciplinary approach with nasal endoscopy was performed. The surgical approach was followed by positioning of a bicanalicular stent which was left in place for 6 months. Success was defined as resolution of clinical signs/symptoms and free lacrimal flow on functional test. Of the cases enrolled, 26.9% were treated for recurrent epiphora (group 1), and 73.1% for epiphora associated with chronic dacryocystitis (group 2). After a median follow-up of 71 months, group 1 had success at T0 (1 month) and T1 (long-term) of 81.8% and 60.6%, respectively, compared to 93.8% and 77.7% in group 2. Statistical analysis showed a significant association with surgery both at T0 (p = 0.018) and T1 (p = 0.012) with group 2 showing better outcomes. Additionally, the cosmetic outcome of the external scar was defined as invisible in 91.8% of cases and slightly visible in 8.2%. External dacryocystorhinostomy provides long-term reliable results particularly in case of chronic dacryocystitis. Moreover, the optimal esthetic outcome of the external scar should be no longer considered the only guiding principle of treatment modality, particularly in the elderly.

Day-Case Admission for External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Preschool Children.

Epistaxis during or after dacryocystorhinostomy may present a risk of circulatory compromise, particularly in young children. In view of this concern, we reviewed the outcome and complications of external dacryocystorhinostomy in preschool children, aged less than 4½ years. Retrospective noncomparative series. A case-note review for a series of preschool children undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy as a day-case admission at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1992 and 2018; all surgery was consultant-led. Details were taken of the type of surgery, any intraoperative or postoperative complications (surgical or anesthetic), any unplanned admissions after surgery, and the functional outcome. To assess the veracity of the medical records, the parents for a sample of 67 children were contacted to check whether there had been any unrecorded events or concerns. Anesthetic or surgical complications, unplanned admissions, and postoperative events. One-hundred and eighty-seven children (117 boys; 63%) underwent 228 external dacryocystorhinostomies during 201 admissions, the average admission age being 36.8 months (median, 37.5; range, 5.5-53.5 months). Forty-one children (20%) underwent bilateral dacryocystorhinostomy: the 27 having simultaneous bilateral surgery dacryocystorhinostomy were operated at a mean age of 38.2 months (median, 37.5; range, 15.5-53.5 months), this being significantly different from the average age at first operation in 14 children undergoing sequential admission for bilateral dacryocystorhinostomy (mean, 24.9 months; median, 27.0; range, 5.5-42.5) (p = 0.0023). No adverse anesthetic events were recorded, 2 children (2 dacryocystorhinostomies) required temporary nasal packing at the end of surgery for epistaxis, and one further child was admitted for overnight observation because of persistent mild epistaxis after bilateral dacryocystorhinostomy. Three children (3 dacryocystorhinostomies) had a mild, self-limiting secondary epistaxis, and there were no unplanned emergency admissions. The telephone survey did not reveal any disparity in the medical records. With experienced surgeons and anesthetists in a suitable specialist hospital, external dacryocystorhinostomy in preschool children would appear to be a safe and effective procedure, with few and minor complications. Although facilities for overnight observation should be available, the surgery can typically be planned as a day-case admission, and simultaneous bilateral surgery is also possible in this age-group.

Nasal and Lacrimal Sac Histopathology in Patients With Systemic Sarcoidosis Undergoing External Lacrimal Drainage Surgery.

To review the histological findings in the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa from patients with sarcoidosis undergoing external lacrimal drainage surgery. All patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy at Moorfields Eye Hospital with a known history of sarcoidosis had biopsies taken from the lacrimal sac and/or nasal mucosa during surgery. These patients were identified from databases at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology, and their clinical notes were reviewed retrospectively for intraoperative findings with a view to identifying common trends. The histological findings of each biopsy were reviewed and classified as showing granulomas, nongranulomatous inflammation, or nonspecific fibrosis. Forty patients (29 females; 72%) were known to have systemic sarcoidosis prior to surgery, and they underwent 60 external dacryocystorhinostomies. Paired histological samples were available from 49/60 (82%) procedures, nasal biopsies alone in 3 dacryocystorhinostomies (5%), and solely lacrimal sac biopsies in 8 (13%). The main site of systemic sarcoidosis was pulmonary involvement (19 patients; 48%). Recorded operative findings included 9 large lacrimal sac mucoceles (29%), a "thick" (26%) or "inflamed" (9.7%) lacrimal sac mucosa, and "thick" (36%) or "friable" (32%) nasal mucosa. Noncaseating granulomas were identified in 34/57 (60%) sacs, and 45/52 (87%) nasal tissues-this being in 31/49 (63%) of paired tissues. Chronic inflammation, without granulomas, was present in 20/57 (35%) lacrimal sacs but only in 5/52 (9.6%) of nasal biopsies. In patients with sarcoidosis undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy, the characteristic histological feature-noncaseating granulomas-is present in most patients' lacrimal sac mucosa and in almost all of their nasal mucosae. The lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa often appears abnormal-thickened or friable-during surgery.

A rare case of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea post external dacryocystorhinostomy surgery

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is an uncommon but significant complication of orbital and rarely lacrimal surgery. We report a rare case of CSF rhinorrhea following external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery. A 38-year-old healthy lady was diagnosed to have chronic dacryocystitis for which right side external DCR was done. At the evening of first postoperative day, the patient noticed a discharge of clear fluid coming through the right nostril, in sitting posture. The fluid was sent for biochemical analysis. Based on clinical and biochemical tests of fluid, a diagnosis of iatrogenic CSF rhinorrhea was made. Contrast enhanced computed tomography and computed tomography cisternography failed to reveal any site of active leakage. However, the patient improved with conservative management only. CSF leakage occurs very rarely in external dacryocystorhinostomies with only a few case reports found in the literature. Knowledge of anatomy and thorough preoperative assessment may predict areas at high-risk for encountering this problem.

Endoscopic Surgical Management of Dacryocele

Objectives: 1) Report our experience and surgical treatment of the unilateral giant dacryocele using the endoscopic technique. 2) Improve the lacrimal sac treatment with endonasal surgery, thus avoiding external dacryocystorhinostomy and its sequelae. Methods: We present the case of an adult patient with chronic dacryocystitis of 1 year of evolution, treated by endoscopic endonasal surgery (endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy) in July 2012 at the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru. The computed tomography described a giant mucocele of the right lacrimal sac. The technique was done entirely endoscopically, opening the lacrimal bone and the lacrimal sac with mucosal content and using a silicone probe. Nasal packing was placed for 3 days, and endoscopic control was carried out. Results: This patient was followed endoscopically each week, testing the permeability of the fistula, moving the probe, and checking the opening hole during the 6 months after surgery. There were no recurrences and no complications. Conclusions: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy has become a very safe method to resolve lacrimal sac pathologies. It is a reliable and secure and has less sequelae than external dacryocystorhinostomies.

Endonasale mikroskopische Dakryozystorhinostomie mit Endoillumination und Intubation bei Patienten mit kombinierten Tränenwegspathologien oder Revisionen

The results of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomies (DCR) with transillumination and intubation are presented. In the period from 1999 to 2009 follow-up examinations of 50 endonasal DCRs were carried out. All patients over 18 were included. The files were systematically evaluated. The follow-up examinations were performed after a minimum of 6 months with anamnesis of epiphora. 50 endonasal DCRs were performed on 40 patients. Initial surgery was performed on 27 lacrimal ducts, 16 patients had already had operations. Corrective surgery was required in 8 cases (7 endonasal DCRs, 1 external DCRs). 78 % women and 22 % men were included. The median age at the time of operation was 48 years; the median duration of preoperative symptoms was 24 months. In 42 % of the cases a chronic dacryocystitis was found. Pre-existing conditions were sarcoidosis in three cases and one case of Wegener's granulomatosis. As well as lacrimal duct obstruction, additional pathologies were treated in the same session [septoplasty (n = 12), sinus operations (n = 10), and cauterisation of the nasal concha (n = 7), removal of a dacryocele (n = 1), conchectomy (n = 1)]. 20 operations were performed on the right side, 26 on the left side and two bilateral. The median duration of the operation was 51 minutes. No operative complications were encountered. The length of stay in hospital was on average four days. The median of follow-up was 23 months. The success rate was 78 %. The success rate of endonasal DCRs is about 70 to 95 %. Thus, the achieved rate in this study is acceptable, especially as 16 of 40 patients underwent revision surgery. Probably this is attributed to the technique of transillumination. The safe intraoperative localisation of the lacrimal sac with a light probe seems to have a positive effect on the removal of obstructions.

Patient-reported benefit from oculoplastic surgery

It is vital that surgeons undertaking oculoplastic procedures are able to show that the surgery they perform is of benefit to their patients. Not only is this fundamental to patient-centred medicine but it is also important in demonstrating cost effectiveness. There are several ways in which benefit can be measured, including clinical scales, functional ability scales, and global quality-of-life scales. The Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) is an example of a patient-reported, questionnaire-based, post-interventional quality-of-life scale that can be used to compare a range of different treatments for a variety of conditions. A cross-sectional study was undertaken using the GBI to score patient benefit from four commonly performed oculoplastic procedures. It was completed for 66 entropion repairs, 50 ptosis repairs, 41 ectropion repairs, and 41 external dacryocystorhinostomies (DCR). The GBI generates a scale from -100 (maximal detriment) through zero (no change) to +100 (maximal benefit). The total GBI scores of patients undergoing surgery for entropion, ptosis, ectropion, and external DCR were: +25.25 (95% CI 20.00-30.50, P<0.001), +24.89 (95% CI 20.04-29.73, P<0.001), +17.68 (95% CI 9.46-25.91, P<0.001), and +32.25 (95% CI 21.47-43.03, P<0.001), respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant benefit from all procedures. Patients derived significant quality-of-life benefits from the four most commonly performed oculoplastic procedures.

The use of Piezosurgery™ for external dacryocystorhinostomy

t l o i T acryocystorhinostomy aims to restore the flow of tears rom the lacrimal sac into the nose when the function of he nasolacrimal duct has been altered. External dacryocysorhinostomy is one of the techniques used in the treatment f obstruction.1 This is the surgical creation of a comunication between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity, hich can also be made endoscopically. It consists in an nastomosis between the nasolacrimal duct and the nasal avity, adjacent to the top of the obstacle, by ostectomy f the maxillary ramus. The main difficulty is to preserve he nasal mucosa while the bony window is being made to void postoperative stenosis.1 This is usually achieved using echanical devices, which tend to damage the underlying asal mucosa. The development of piezoelectric instruments Fig. 1), capable of cutting bone while sparing the soft tissues, odified our technique.2 We describe the procedure and the enefits. All external dacryocystorhinostomies were done under ocal or general anaesthesia. All patients were given local naesthetic to the sac in the form of 2% xylocaine with drenaline 1/200 000.

External dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of epiphora in patients with patent but non-functioning lacrimal systems

AimsTo assess the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomies (DCRs) in patients with patent but non-functional lacrimal drainage systems and to identify any preoperative clinical or dacryocystography (DCG) and lacrimal scintigraphy (LS)...

The Consequence of Premature Silicone Stent Loss after External Dacryocystorhinostomy

To investigate the clinical affects of premature silicone stent loss after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Retrospective chart review. Two hundred thirty-three consecutive external dacryocystorhinostomies. Demographic information was recorded, including length to follow-up, age, gender, number of days until stent removal, and success of surgery. All patients who extruded their silicone stent prematurely were identified. All were primary DCRs (i.e., all reoperations were excluded). All patients had had documented nasolacrimal duct obstruction before surgery, with or without current or prior dacryocystitis. Failure of DCR surgery was accepted as symptomatic epiphora with notable nasolacrimal duct blockage and/or infection at long term follow-up. Of the 233 DCRs, 42 stents extruded or had to be removed before the planned 2-month period. The overall success rate of the surgery was 94.9%, with a 90.5% success for those who had early extrusion and 95.8% for those who did not (P = 0.24). Moreover, of the 4 people who had a failed surgery (of 42 early extrusions), none had a recurrent infection or pain, and only 1 opted to have a revision of the surgery. Patient age, gender, or timing of the extrusion was not found to affect surgical success significantly. Our experience and this study suggest that concerns over early stent extrusion or removal may not be wholly warranted. Moreover, our review of the literature shows no evidence-based recommendations that longer stent retention or reintubation after early extrusion results in a higher success rate. Although other surgeries (e.g., canalicular laceration, congenital epiphora) may benefit from intervention or reinsertion after early extrusion, we cannot extrapolate such a practice for the DCR.

The role of larger osteotomy in long term success in external dacryocystorhinostomy

This study aims to investigate whether it is possible to create a critical size bone defect in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), and also at what size a defect can be considered as being critical for a successful surgical outcome. Eighteen patients undergoing 19 external dacryocystorhinostomies, with the creation of wide osteotomies, were enrolled in this retrospective study. A 2 x 2 cm bone defect, which was considered as the critical size, was created. The postoperative structure of the bone gap was evaluated by computed tomography in axial and coronal planes at least two years after surgery. Functional patency of the ostium was confirmed with irrigation and nasal endoscopic examination. Thirteen female (72.2%) and five male (27.8%) patients underwent DCR. The patients were aged between 18 and 72 years old (mean+/-S.D.: 45.3+/-13.9). The follow-up time was between 24 and 48 months (mean 30.4 months). The areas of the gaps were between 1.21 and 4 cm(2) (mean+/-S.D.: 2.26+/-0.19). The critical size bone defect (2 x 2 cm) might prevent restenosis in long term follow ups.

Final nasolacrimal ostium after external dacryocystorhinostomy.

To evaluate the nasolacrimal ostium created after successful external dacryocystorhinostomy. This prospective study included 41 successful primary external dacryocystorhinostomies performed in 41 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (33 women and 8 men; age range, 19-75 years). The dimensions of osteotomy were measured during surgery. Patients alternately underwent either anterior only or anterior and posterior flap anastomosis between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. Digital subtraction macrodacryocystography was performed to assess the nasolacrimal ostium 6 months after surgery. Dacryocystography showed that the lacrimal sac had re-formed in 40 (98%) of 41 patients. The nasolacrimal ostium was located at the inferior part of the re-formed sac in 37 patients (90%) and at the middle part of the re-formed sac in 3 patients (7%). Mean ostium heights were 3.8 mm (range, 1.6-6.5 mm) in patients who underwent anterior flap anastomosis and 3.1 mm (range, 1.2-5.2 mm) in those who underwent both anterior and posterior flap anastomosis (P =.22). Ostium height did not correlate with osteotomy size (mean, 183 mm2; range, 132-266 mm2; P =.10). This study confirms that after successful dacryocystorhinostomy, the nasolacrimal anastomosis contracts into a relatively small ostium. Contrary to common belief, the lacrimal sac often re-forms after surgery. The final ostium frequently develops at the inferior part of the regenerated sac. Suturing the posterior lacrimal and nasal flaps in addition to the anterior flaps does not significantly affect the ultimate ostium size.

Fluorescein transit test time and symptomatic outcomes after external dacryocystorhinostomy.

To determine the relation between the fluorescein transit test time and postoperative relief of epiphora in patent dacryocystorhinostomies. A retrospective study of 40 patients who underwent 42 external dacryocystorhinostomies between January 1994 and January 2000 was performed. Postoperative symptomatic success was assessed by a questionnaire. Intranasal rigid endoscopy was performed to measure the fluorescein transit test time, defined as the time from instillation of fluorescein to its free flow from the osteotomy site. The main outcome measures were symptomatic success, fluorescein transit test time, and anatomic patency to irrigation. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of the Fisher exact test. Of the 42 dacryocystorhinostomies studied, 92.8% were patent to irrigation. There was a statistically significant association between a fluorescein transit test time of < or = 45 seconds and subjective success (P<0.001), with 96% of patients reporting a successful postoperative outcome. A slow fluorescein transit test, with an average time of 138.9 seconds, was associated with symptomatic failure (P<0.001), with 56.2% of this group reporting significant postoperative epiphora. The fluorescein transit test provides a quantitative measure of lacrimal drainage function after dacryocystorhinostomy, with a fluorescein transit test time of < or = 45 seconds being the relevant parameter to characterize symptomatic success. Postoperative failure in external dacryocystorhinostomy, as evidenced by slow transit times, may result from surgical interference with the lacrimal pump.

Pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Objective To determine the outcome of pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for large mucoceles or for primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction unresponsive to multiple probings. Design Retrospective noncomparative case series. Participants One hundred thirty-four external dacryocystorhinostomies were performed in 121 children. Methods Clinical case notes were reviewed for a series of cases operated on at Moorfields Eye Hospital by specialist lacrimal surgeons between 1987 and 1999. Main outcome measures Postoperative relief of presenting symptoms and signs and complications. Results Fifty-nine percent of admissions (75 of 127) were day cases, and the other 52 admissions were inpatient. Simultaneous bilateral surgery was performed in 7 of 121 (6%) children, all but one having day case admission, and sequential bilateral surgery in 6 of 121 (5%) cases. Silicone intubation was performed in 20% of operations, these generally being early in the series. Three children had Down syndrome, five had craniofacial anomalies, and two had systemic disorders. Mild postoperative cellulitis occurred in three cases, all of which settled without complication after systemic antibiotic therapy, and there was one case of suture granuloma. There were no cases of immediate postoperative complication in either the day case or the inpatient groups. Complete cure of symptoms was achieved in 96% and an improvement of symptoms (with mild persistence of epiphora under challenge) in five cases (4%). Conclusion For surgeons experienced in pediatric lacrimal surgery, external DCR with sutured mucosal flaps can be accomplished through an 8-mm incision with no surface sutures and minimal scarring. Symptoms are improved in all cases and complete cure achieved in 96%, with no immediate postoperative complications and only few (3%) short-term complications. The surgery is amenable to day case management, without significant morbidity, and may be performed as a simultaneous bilateral procedure.

Ultrasonic assessment of rhinostomy size following external dacryocystorhinostomy

AIMTo assess the dimensions and patency of the surgical epithelial fistula after external dacryocystorhinostomy, using B mode ultrasonography to define the postoperative soft tissue anastomosis.METHODS12 patients undergoing 16 external dacryocystorhinostomies,...

External Dacryocystorhinostomy: Indications, Method, Complications and Results

In a retrospective study of the years 1978–1989, data were acquired on 1014 external dacryocystorhinostomies performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Münster University Hospital. The age- and sex distribution showed a range of 2–93 years with a maximum in the 5th–7th decades (average 53.2 years) and a sex ratio of 61% females to 39% males. With regard to the etiology of the dacryostenosis, 60% of the patients had recurrent chronic dacryocystitis, 32% a history of acute dacryocystitis, 7% facial trauma and less than 1 % (n = 5) had tumors. The functional success rate was 85% after a postoperative follow-up period of 1–11 years (average 35.6 months). No serious intra- or postoperative complications were seen.

Results of Endonasal Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy

Endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy has been a subject of much interest since its introduction in 1990, offering the potential advantages of decreased postoperative morbidity and the lack of a cutaneous scar. In this study, the authors report the results of 46 endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy procedures performed on 42 patients between February 1991 and July 1992. The medical records of all patients undergoing endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy procedures were reviewed retrospectively in detail. Patients undergoing laser-assisted external dacryocystorhinostomies or conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomies and those with follow-up periods less than 4 months were not included in the study. A total of 46 endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy procedures were performed. Of these, 32 were successful and 14 failed after a single attempt, yielding a success rate of 70% (32/46). Of the 14 patients with failed procedures, 6 underwent a second endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy. Of these, five were successful. The success rate calculated on the basis of one or two attempts was 80% (37/46). The science and technology of endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy is undergoing a continuous process of evolution as a number of modifications are introduced, including better patient selection, more complete tissue removal at the osteotomy site, and the adjunctive use of mitomycin C. As this process continues, it is likely that the success rates in this modality will improve, making it an increasingly attractive alternative to external dacryocystorhinostomy.

External Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Prospective Study Comparing the Size of the Operative and Healed Ostium

This study compares the size of the operative anastomosis with the size of the healed intranasal ostium resulting from 22 external dacryocystorhinostomies. The area of the healed intranasal ostium was approximately 2% of the area of the surgical anastomosis. No correlation was found between the size of the surgical anastomosis and the size of the healed ostium. In all cases, excellent functional results were obtained, regardless of the size of the healed ostium. This study suggests the size of the surgical anastomosis is not directly related to the success of the procedure, although it must be large enough to technically perform the procedure.