Functional Endoscopic Dye Test Research Articles

Randomized Controlled Trial on Silicone Intubation in Endoscopic Mechanical Dacryocystorhinostomy (SEND): An 11-year Outcome Report

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the long-term outcomes of mucosal-sparing mechanical endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (MMED) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) with or without silicone intubation. Methods An 11-year follow-up study of the Silicone intubation in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (SEND) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at a university-affiliated dacryology clinic from December 2019 to March 2023. Questionnaires on symptoms, anterior segment examination, endoscopic examination with functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT) and FICI grading, and ostial size measurements using Image J software were performed by a masked ophthalmologist. The primary outcome was surgical success, defined by Munk’s score ≤1 and a positive fluorescein endoscopic dye test. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for failure and outcomes of revision surgeries. Results Fifty-three of the original 118 patients were evaluated at 155 ± 21 (136–218) months postoperatively. Seventy-seven percent (46/60) ostia remained successful, including 70% (19/27) of unstented and 82% (27/33) of stented ostia (p = .3). Stented ostia had larger size (p = .003), but this did not confer higher success (p = .14). Successful ostia had higher FICI scores and better ostial dynamicity (p < .05). Ostium movement was the only parameter associated with surgical success on multivariate analysis (OR 13.1, p = .01). Four (1 stented) underwent revision MMED, intraoperative mitomycin-C, and 12-week intubation. All revision ostia were functional after 141 ± 43 months. Conclusions Surgical success of MMED after 11-years was 77%, a notable reduction compared to 96% success at 1-year. Statistical advantage of silicone intubation for primary MMED was not demonstrated, though clinically, stented ostia had a higher success (82% vs 70%). The presence of a dynamic internal common opening was highly associated with long-term surgical success.

Optimizing clinical outcomes for endoscopic lacrimal duct recanalization in patients with complete PANDO.

The study aims to describe modifications and refinements in the technique and technology of Transcanalicular Endoscopic Lacrimal Duct Recanalization (TELDR) based on anatomical foundations to optimize its clinical outcomes in patients with complete Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (PANDO). The medical records of 115 patients who underwent TELDR procedures from January 2018 to July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 115 patients, only those 35 patients with complete PANDO characterized by longstanding epiphora of 3-5years duration, dense, diffuse fibrous tissue obstruction involving the sac, sac duct junction and the entire length of the nasolacrimal duct were included in the study. Parameters for success were analyzed based on patency on irrigation, functional endoscopic dye test, and improvement of epiphora. Forty-five cases from 35 patients with complete PANDO were included in the study. The mean length of time from the date of operation to silicone stent removal was 8.1weeks, while the mean length of follow-up starting from the removal of silicone stent to last follow-up was 61.0weeks. There were 95.6% anatomic patency on canalicular irrigation with saline and 95.6% functional patency based on functional endoscopic dye test. There was significant improvement of epiphora (p value of < 0.0001) post-operatively. The results of modified TELDR improved clinical outcomes and could be a definitive treatment in patients with complete PANDO with longstanding, dense, diffuse, fibrous tissue obstruction. Patients who experience reobstruction, may undergo a repeat of the recanalization approach.

Salvage of impending rhinostomy failure after dacryocystorhinostomy with office-based microdebrider treatment.

This article is to introduce office-based salvage revision of impending rhinostomy failure after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR), using a microdebrider. The authors conducted retrospective medical chart review of 27 eyes of 26 patients who underwent microdebrider treatment for impending rhinostomy failure in an office setting. After local anesthesia, obstructive soft tissue, interfering with ostium function (granuloma, cicatrization, synechia), was treated with a microdebrider (Osseoduo s120, Bien-Air Surgery, Le Noirmont, Switzerland) within 6months after primary EN-DCR. Anatomical improvement and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated after revision. The causes of impending rhinostomy failure were granuloma formation (17/27 eyes, 63.0%), cicatrization (8/27 eyes, 29.6%), and synechial formation (2/27 eyes, 7.4%). The surgery did not exceed 5min in all cases, and partial damage to pre-placed silicone tubes occurred in the first two cases (7.4%). Salvage revision resulted in anatomical success in all eyes, based on patent syringing and a positive functional endoscopic dye test. All cases showed improvement of epiphora after revision surgery. Office-based salvage revision using a microdebrider provided effective management of impending rhinostomy failure during early follow-up period after primary EN-DCR. It enabled prompt management of excessive wound healing interfering with ostium function, while performing the routine postoperative nasal debridement.

A New Way of Managing Canalicular Injury Associated With Late Eyelid Burns.

This study aimed to introduce a new way to rebuild the canalicular system of patients with occluded punctums after long-time burns. Cases with eyelid burns associated canalicular injury presented at Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 1st, 2015 to September 30th 2017 were referred to department of Orbital & Oculoplastic Surgery. Cases with occluded both superior and inferior punctuns were recommended to surgery. Twenty-seven cases were enrolled in our study. Patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 4 weeks and 3, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Success of the surgery was defined as being free of epiphora and purulence postoperatively, a normal functional endoscopic dye test, free-flowing irrigation through the lacrimal system, and the presence of upper and lower punctum ostium. With a follow-up of 12 months postoperative, there were 22 cases that showed surgical success outcome according to the set criteria. The success rate of our surgery is 81.48%. The surgical procedure used in our study is an effective and easy way to treat patiens with occluded punctum after long-time burns. The utility of silicone intubation is necessary and delayed tubing removal maybe meaningful in these kinds of patients.

Outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: Experience of a fellowship trainee at a tertiary care center.

Aim:The study aims to report a single trainee's experience of learning and performing endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR).Settings and Design:This study was a retrospective, interventional case series.Subjects and Methods:Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center over 1 year were included in the study. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with mitomycin-C and silicone intubation. The parameters studied included demographics, clinical features, intraoperative details, and postoperative ostium evaluation. Stent removal and nasal endoscopy were performed at 6 weeks and a further ostium evaluation at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Anatomical success rate was defined as patent irrigation, and functional success rate was defined as positive functional endoscopic dye test and absence of epiphora.Results:Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients were operated, and three cases were lost to follow-up after surgery. The mean age at presentation was 34 (4–75) years. Clinical diagnosis included primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction in 72% (39/54), acute dacryocystitis in 15% (8/54), failed DCR in 7% (4/54), and persistent congenital NLD obstruction in 5% (3/54). The first five cases needed intervention by the mentor for superior osteotomy. Common variations in anatomical landmarks were posterior location of sac, large ethmoidal bulla, high internal common opening, and thick maxillary bone. Surgical time taken in the last 27 eyes was significantly lesser compared to the surgical duration taken in the initial 27 cases (P < 0.05). Anatomical and functional success rate was 94% (48/51) at 6 months follow-up period.Conclusions:Endoscopic En-DCR has a good success rate when performed by oculoplastic surgery trainees. Nasal anatomical variations, instrument handling, and adaptation to monocular view of endoscope are few of the challenges for beginners. Structured skill transfer can help trainees to learn and perform En-DCR with acceptable success rates.

Powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a decade of experience.

To report a decade long experience with powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). A retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing powered endoscopic DCR was performed at this institution over a period of 11 years from 2002 to 2013. All patients completed a minimum of 3 months follow up following stent removal. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical and surgical profiles, adjunctive procedures, complications, and success rates at the last follow up. Anatomical success was defined as patent ostium on irrigation and functional success as free flow of dye into ostium on functional endoscopic dye test and resolution of epiphora. Two hundred eighty-three powered endoscopic DCRs were performed on 214 patients. The mean age at surgery was 59.5 years (range, 3-95 years). All patients presented with epiphora. A total of 91.6% patients (196/214) had a primary DCR and 8.4% (18/214) had a revision DCR. In all, 50.4% patients (108/214) underwent adjunctive endonasal procedures. The mean follow up was 17.1 months (range, 3-103 months). At the last follow up, the final anatomical success was achieved in 96.9% cases of primary DCRs and 91.3% cases of revision DCRs. Functional success was achieved in 93% cases of primary DCRs and 86.9% cases of revision DCRs. Powered endoscopic DCR is a safe procedure and offers excellent results both in primary and revision DCRs. The threshold to perform adjunctive endonasal procedures should be very low when indicated.

Canalicular granuloma following recanalization by Sisler’s trephine

A 54-year-old male underwent a revision external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) along with lower canalicular recanalization using Sisler’s trephine (Beaver Visitec, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). Trephination was performed for a proximal (3 mm) partial obstruction. A bicanalicular Crawford stent (ISCON surgicals limited, Jodhpur, India) was placed and retained for 12 weeks. After stent removal, the Functional endoscopic Dye test (FEDT) showed free flow of dye in the ostium. A week following stent removal, patient presented with a mass protruding from the lower punctum. Examination revealed a 2m m 2 mm, pinkish mass with numerous surface vessels and a tapering end near the posterior wall of the vertical canaliculus (black star) suggesting its origin from the proximal canaliculus (Fig. 1, Panel A). Gentle displacement with a cotton tipped applicator revealed the punctum to be 360 free without any attachments to the mass (Fig. 1, Panel B). The mass was carefully excised at its tapering end followed by a course of topical steroids. At one year follow up, there was no recurrence and irrigation was patent. Comment

Endoscopic vs external dacryocystorhinostomy-comparison from the patients' aspect.

To compare the success and complication rates, duration of surgeries and clinical comfort after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (END-DCR) or external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR). Fifty patients who underwent EXT- or END-DCR between January 2010-2012 were involved in the study. A questionnaire was applied to patients preoperatively, and postoperatively. Subjective success was defined by absence of epiphora, objective success by a normal nasolacrimal lavage and a positive functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT). Postoperative pain and cosmetic result of surgery were interpreted by the patients, who were also asked whether they would offer this surgery to a friend or would prefer this surgery once more if necessary. Twenty-five patients underwent END-DCR and 25 underwent EXT-DCR. Mean duration of surgeries were 35min both for EXT-DCR (30-50) and END-DCR (35-50) (P=0.778). Intraoperative bleeding were documented in 48% of EXT-DCR and 4% of END-DCR cases (P<0.001). In total 96% of EXT-DCR and 100% of END-DCR patients had subjective success. Objective success was 100% in each group. There was no significant difference between the epiphora scorings and FDDT results in postoperative visits among the groups. END-DCR group reported less pain in first week and month (P<0.05, P<0.05). More patients in END-DCR group were happy with the cosmetic result in first week and month (P<0.001, P<0.001). More patients in END-DCR group offered this surgery to a friend (P<0.001). All patients in END-DCR group preferred this surgery once more if necessary, only 48% in EXT-DCR preferred the same method (P<0.001). Although both END- and EXT-DCRs provide satisfactory outcomes with similar objective and subjective success rates, we demonstrated that the endonasal approach caused significantly less pain in early postoperative period than the external approach. Clinical comfort defined by the patients was quite higher in END-DCR group, in which patients mainly were pleased to encounter a sutureless surgical area.

Balloon Dacryoplasty in Internal Ostium Stenosis After Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy

To determine the effectiveness of balloon dacryoplasty in the treatment of internal ostium stenosis after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR). A retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series of patients who underwent balloon dacryoplasty for post-EnDCR internal ostium stenosis were included. A balloon catheter was used in all procedures, with bicanalicular silicone intubation. Patient records were reviewed and data analyzed. Anatomical success was defined by functional endoscopic dye test, and functional success was defined as a subjective improvement in symptoms at last follow up. Nineteen lacrimal systems of 18 consecutive patients were studied between July 2007 and September 2012. At a mean follow up of 20 months (range, 3-53 months), anatomical success rate was 84% (16/19 systems), whereas functional success was 74% (14/19 systems). No major complication was observed. Balloon dacryoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of post-EnDCR internal ostium stenosis. It is a simple, safe procedure and can provide symptomatic relief to some of these patients. It can be considered as a treatment option for patients demonstrated with internal ostium stenosis after EnDCR.

Randomized Trial on Silicone Intubation in Endoscopic Mechanical Dacryocystorhinostomy (SEND) for Primary Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

To study the effect of bicanalicular silicone intubation on endonasal endoscopic mechanical dacryocystorhinostomy (EEM-DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). Randomized clinical trial. A total of 120 consecutive adults (103 females) with a presenting age of 64 ± 13.7 years (range, 39-92 years) underwent EEM-DCR for PANDO from November 2005 to May 2009 in a lacrimal referral center. The EEM-DCR was performed by 2 lacrimal surgeons using standard techniques. Patients were randomly assigned to receive or not receive bicanalicular silicone intubation for 8 weeks. No antimetabolite was used. All patients received a course of oral antibiotics during nonabsorbable nasal packing for flaps tamponade, which was removed at the first postoperative visit. Patients were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after the operation. Surgical success was defined by symptomatic relief of epiphora, reestablishment of nasolacrimal drainage confirmed by irrigation by 1 masked observer, and positive functional endoscopic dye test by the operative surgeon at 12 months postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. A total of 118 of the 120 randomized cases completed 12 months of follow-up. Two patients died of unrelated medical illnesses during follow-up. At 12 months postoperatively, there was no statistical difference in the success rate between patients with (96.3%) and without (95.3%) intubation (P=0.79). The odds ratio of failure without silicone intubation was 1.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.21-7.95). There was no difference in the incidence (P=0.97) or the time to develop (P=0.12) granulation tissue between the 2 groups. No significant difference was found between successful and failed cases in terms of age (P=0.21), sex (P=0.37), laterality (P=0.46), mode of anesthesia (P=0.14), surgeon (P=0.26), use of stent (P=0.79), or presence of granulation tissue postoperatively (P=0.39). The current study design provided 90% statistical power to detect more than 21% difference in surgical outcome, and no such difference was found whether intubation was used or not used in EEM-DCR for PANDO at the 12-month follow-up. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Prognostic factors for outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction

To evaluate the prognostic factors for outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Eighty-three consecutive cases of endoscopic DCR performed for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction by a single surgeon were included in a retrospective, noncomparative case series. The outcome was assessed at a minimum of 5 months after surgery, being at least 3 months after removal of stents. Surgical success was defined both subjectively and objectively. Subjective success was defined as absence of epiphora. Objective anatomical success was defined as patency on syringing, and presence of a functioning rhinostomy evaluated using the functional endoscopic dye test. Variables assessed included age at surgery, gender, side, duration of intraoperative mitomycin C application, and duration of stent left in-situ. The prognostic factors for outcome were analyzed by the logistic regression test. Of the 79 analyzed cases, 74 (93.7%) had successful surgical outcomes. The mean age at time of surgery was 55.5 ± 13.3 years, and the majority of patients were female (85%). The mean follow-up period was 23.3 ± 16.8 months. Age at surgery is a significant factor influencing the surgical outcome (P < 0.05). Gender, side, duration of intraoperative mitomycin C application, and duration of stent left in-situ had no significant association with the outcome (P > 0.05). In endoscopic DCR for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, younger patient age at time of surgery was associated with a higher rate of failure.

Development and validation of a symptom questionnaire for recording outcomes in adult lacrimal surgery

A symptom-based questionnaire (the `Lac-Q` questionnaire) for adult patients undergoing lacrimal drainage surgery was developed. The questionnaire yields a numerical score that can be used to assess severity of symptoms. In this study, the questionnaire was evaluated in 17 consecutive patients undergoing 22 dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) procedures. The questionnaire was administered pre- and postoperatively. The pathology encountered at operation was recorded. The success of surgery was judged by patient satisfaction, endoscopic evaluation of DCR stomal patency, and objective lacrimal drainage testing using the functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT). In a further group of 12 pre-operative cases, the questionnaire was repeated after 4-6 weeks but before surgery, to assess test-retest reliability in the absence of clinical change. The Lac-Q questionnaire was based on two broad categories of eye-specific scores and social impact scores. A numerical score, the `Lac-Q` score, was generated pre- and postoperatively. When compared to pre-operative scores, the reduction in Lac-Q scores postoperatively was significant. Postoperative scores also correlated well with objective lacrimal drainage testing using the FEDT. Analysis of symptom scores shows that the questionnaire was reliable with regard to content validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness to clinical change. We conclude that the Lac-Q questionnaire is a useful clinical tool to evaluate outcomes after adult lacrimal surgery.

A clinical trial of endoscopic vs external dacryocystorhinostomy for partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction

A literature review revealed there is no outcome data for endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) in the subgroup of patients with acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NDO). This study aimed to compare the results of EES-DCR vs external DCR (ext-DCR) in the treatment of partial NDO. This study is designed as a prospective nonrandomised comparative clinical trial. In total, 46 adult patients with acquired partial NDO participated in this study. Partial (sometimes called 'functional') NDO (epiphora in the presence of patent syringing) was confirmed by nuclear lacrimal scintigraphy or delayed drainage on dacryocystography. Patients with 'functional' epiphora from other causes were excluded. Post-operative outcome was assessed at 6 months. Overall, 21 (46%) patients had EES-DCR and 25 patients had (54%) ext-DCR. Subjective success was based on patient symptoms, objective success on patency with syringing and a functioning rhinostomy evaluated using the functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT). In total 18 out of 21 (86%) of EES-DCR patients had marked reduction (n=11) or complete resolution (n=7) and 25 out of 25 (100%) of ext-DCR had marked reduction (n=9) or complete resolution (n=16) of epiphora. In total 17 out of 18 (94%) of the EES-DCR patients with subjective success had a positive FEDT. All 25 out of 25 (100%) ext-DCR patients with subjective success had a positive FEDT. The three failed EES-DCR patients were all blocked on syringing. Statistically, EES-DCR does not achieve the same success rate as ext-DCR in this study (P=0.09, two-tailed Fisher's exact test, 0.045 one-tailed). Both endoscopic and external DCRs provide satisfactory outcomes in acquired partial NDO. The success rate is nevertheless higher in ext-DCR compared with EES-DCR.

Nasal Endoscopic Assessment of Failure after External Dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: To study intranasal causes of failure of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).Design: A retrospective study of clinical data from transnasal endoscopic findings after failure of external DCR.Methods: Assessment of 65 patients with failure after external dacryocystorhinostomy; subjectively by patient’s symptoms and saccharine test and objectively by patency on syringing, functional endoscopic dye test and endonasal endoscopic assessment.Results: Endoscopic findings revealed: 20 cases intranasal adhesions, 8 cases septal deviation and concha bullosa, 8 cases abnormal size fistula, 6 cases rhinosinusitis, 6 cases contact granuloma, 3 cases of pouch, 4 cases closed ostium, 10 cases no definite cause could be found (functional failure). Negative dye clearance test and non-detection of fluorescein on irrigatiom in 55 patients. Delayed dye clearance but detection of fluorescein on irrigation in 10 patients (functional failure).Conclusions: Nasal endoscopy is very important in diagnosing causes of failure of external DCR. Nasal endoscopy is essential before and after external DCR. DCR should be done by a team work of rhinologist and ophthalmologist. Study of mucociliary clearance of lacrimal pathway will help to improve our surgeries and whether to do small or large fenestra technique.

Lacrimal Surgery Success After External Dacryocystorhinostomy: Functional and Anatomical Results Using Strict Outcome Criteria

To present the results of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) for epiphora using strict outcome criteria and provide an accurate baseline and evidence from which to compare the results of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. Retrospective case notes review of 158 consecutive adult patients who underwent primary ext-DCR. Functional success was assessed according to the patients' symptoms and anatomical success was measured using objective tests of lacrimal system patency: 1) the functional endoscopic dye test and/or endoscopic endonasal inspection of the ostium; 2) syringing of the lacrimal system; and 3) the fluorescein dye retention test. Patients without complete follow-up data were recalled for clinical reevaluation. A minimum follow-up of 6 months was required. Comparison of overall functional and anatomical success was further analyzed according to etiology using logistic regression and for different grades of surgeon using the chi-squared test. The results for 124 of 158 ext-DCRs showed an overall functional success of 69% and anatomical success of 74%. Patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) who had surgery by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had high success: 83% functional success and 100% anatomical success. Patients with watering eyes from non-PANDO aetiology including canalicular disease who had surgery by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had moderate success: 78% functional success and 70% anatomical success. The results of all surgery by trainees were lower but only significantly so for PANDO. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 6 months to 8.3 years); median follow-up was 1.9 years. This study used strict criteria to assess functional and anatomical outcomes of primary ext-DCR and thus provide baseline measures of success with a minimal follow-up of 6 months. When canalicular disease was excluded, results for PANDO were higher. Surgery performed by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had higher success rates than when performed by trainee.

The Hydrogel Lacrimal Stent for Dacryocystorhinostomy: Preliminary Experience

To present the results of dacryocystorhinostomy with the use of a newly designed hydrogel lacrimal stent for repair of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Noncomparative interventional case series. Twenty-three cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction confirmed by probing and irrigation underwent dacryocystorhinostomy using the hydrogel lacrimal stent. Tearing symptoms, functional endoscopic dye test, and anatomic appearance of ostia were noted at follow-up. Five of 23 ostia closed during the postoperative period (1-3 months), translating to a late success rate of 78.3%. The 5 failed cases were treated successfully with ostium revision, 1 case requiring 2 revisions. All patients had endoscopic follow-up with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after stent removal. In the successful cases we noted a large, quiet ostium with good separation of the nasal septum and middle turbinate. Eleven cases (47.8%) had history of previously failed dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, or maxillofacial surgery. There were no complications or reports of unusual pain or symptoms associated with the stent itself. Early experience suggests the hydrogel lacrimal stent is a well-tolerated, effective tool for dacryocystorhinostomy surgery after acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The device may serve as a useful surgical tool by holding open the ostium, maintaining apposition of the mucosal edges, and decreasing the incidence of nasal adhesions.

Functional and anatomic results after two types of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: Surgical and holmium laser

PurposeTo determine subjective and objective outcomes after two types of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the use of the functional endoscopic dye test (FEDT). DesignProspective, nonrandomized trial. ParticipantsSixty-nine consecutive adult patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. MethodsPatients underwent primary endonasal surgical or laser (Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [YAG]) DCR with temporary silicone intubation. Main objective measuresData were collected 6 months after surgery (at least 3 months after removal of tubes). Subjective results were based on the patients’ symptoms of epiphora. Objective results consisted of (1) lacrimal system irrigation, (2) FEDT—this test is positive when dye placed in the conjunctival fornix is observed to enter the nasal space via the DCR rhinostomy, and (3) rhinostomy appearance. ResultsThirty-six patients had endosurgical and 33 had endolaser (Holmium:YAG) DCR. Symptomatic success was 83% after endosurgical and 71% after endolaser DCR. Lacrimal irrigation was a good test after surgery for identifying patients with successful or unsuccessful outcome (sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 87%). The FEDT had a few false negatives and small number of false positives (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 91%). ConclusionsEndoscopic endonasal DCR performed surgically had better results than those achieved with Holmium:YAG laser alone (but did not reach statistical significance). The FEDT is useful in assessing rhinostomy patency and understanding the effects of surgery but was not as good as lacrimal irrigation in predicting symptomatic success.

The value of nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE To determine the value of office nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS A prospective clinical observational study of consecutive adult patients after primary external or endonasal surgical DCR, both with intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Nasal endoscopy was used at the time of tube retrieval and six months after surgery to evaluate nasal pathology and ostium function. RESULTS Sixteen patients were examined. 5/16 (31%) had surgically induced nasal synaechiae; in 2/5 patients transnasal synaechiae occluded the ostium. Granuloma adjacent to the ostia in 2/16 (12.5%) did not impair function. There was no difference in the incidence of synaechiae or granuloma after endonasal compared to external DCR. In 3/16 (19%) endoscopy aided retrieval of tubes concealed by transnasal synaechiae or a narrow nasal space. Six months after surgery ostium function was positive in 12/16 (75%) using the functional endoscopic dye test; 13/16 (81%) patients had relief of epiphora with patent syringing; one had an alternative drainage route. CONCLUSIONS Nasal endoscopy after DCR i) identifies surgically induced nasal mucosal pathology, ii) assists in difficult retrieval of tubes and iii) assesses ostium function using the functional endoscopic dye test. The information obtained is adding much to our understanding of the effects of DCR at the lacrimal / sinus / nasal interface.