Persistent Epiphora Research Articles

Management of the Nasolacrimal Duct in Expanded Endoscopic Approaches to the Maxillary Sinus: A Systematic Review with Evidence-based Recommendations.

Utilizing expanded endoscopic approaches to the maxillary sinus for the endonasal management of a variety of tumors is increasing in popularity. The nasolacrimal duct (NLD) may be injured inadvertantly or need to be removed during tumor resection or to augment visualization. Management of the NLD can take the form of transection alone, transection with stenting, or performing a formal dacryocystorhinostomy to avoid postoperative sequelae of injury. The purpose of this study was to review the literature and determine the optimal management of the NLD during expanded maxillary sinus approaches. A systematic review of Ovid, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies involving expanded approaches to the maxillary sinus and that explicitly reported the status of the NLD and postoperative outcomes. Nineteen studies were included in the analysis and divided into two groups: NLD-preserving (n = 9 studies; n = 191 patients in aggregate) and NLD-involving (n = 10 studies; n = 296 patients in aggregate). In the NLD-preserving subgroup, one patient out of a subgroup aggregate of 191 patients (0.5%) developed epiphora. In the NLD-involving subgroup, sharp transection alone was the most common method of NLD removal and was associated with a low rate of epiphora (study rates: 0 to 18.2%; aggregated subgroup rate: 7.0%, 21 / 296). Spontaneous resolution of symptoms was common (60%-100% cases). The NLD should be preserved when feasible from an exposure and tumor-control perspective. When pathology or approach requires the removal of the NLD, rates of persistent epiphora are very low, regardless of surgical technique. When expanded maxillary approaches are employed, particularly for benign tumors, and require removal of the NLD, sharp transection is the simplest method of removal, provides a low rate of postoperative epiphora, and is supported by the available literature.

High incidence and recurrence of tympanostomy tube procedures in children who underwent nasolacrimal duct probe and intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

To determine the incidence of tympanostomy tube (T-tube) insertion in children who required probing and intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) at a single academic institution and to analyze success rates. The medical records of 92 patients who underwent nasolacrimal probing and intubation for CNLDO over a 9-year period were reviewed retrospectively. A preoperative questionnaire was given to the patient's guardian concerning laterality of CNLDO, history of otitis media (OM) antibiotic therapy, history of T-tube placement and number placed. At least 12 months following the initial nasolacrimal duct P&I, a second questionnaire was administered regarding resolution of CNLDO symptoms, additional measures taken to relieve postoperative symptoms if present, and any further history regarding OM episodes or T-tube insertion. Of the 92 children with CNLDO, 37 (40%) required T-tubes either prior to or following nasolacrimal duct probing and intubation, a rate higher than in the general population (P < 0.00001). 21 (56%) of CNLDO probing and intubation patients who required T-tubes required at least two sets, at different times, to relieve OM symptoms. Six of 37 patients (16%) with a history of T-tube placement and 1 of 55 (2%) with no history of T-tube placement had persistent epiphora after nasolacrimal probing and intubation (relative risk, 8.92; P = 0.0388). In our study cohort, pediatric patients with CNLDO who required nasolacrimal probing and intubation were at higher risk of needing T-tubes for chronic OM than the general population, and those needing T-tubes were at increased risk of residual epiphora.

Effect of intubation in patients with functional epiphora after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

To investigate the effect of bicanalicular silicone tube intubation (BSTI) in the treatment of functional epiphora after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR). Clinical data of 84 patients (95 eyes) with functional epiphora after En-DCR were retrospectively analyzed. Functional epiphora was confirmed as persistent or recurrent epiphora by fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT), lacrimal irrigation test, as well as endoscopic examination. Secondary BSTIs were recommended for patients with functional epiphora. These tubes were removed 1mo after surgery. Functional success and associated complications were assessed after 2y of follow-up. Seven patients (9 eyes) refused intervention, 5 patients (6 eyes) did not complete postoperative follow-up, and 1 patient (1 eye) developed tube prolapse within 1mo after surgery. Seventy-one patients (79 eyes) were included at last. Functional success ratios at six months, one year, as well as two years post-operation were 94.9% (75/79), 92.4% (73/79), and 91.1% (72/79), respectively. Three eyes presented with punctal slitting (2 eyes without epiphora), 1 eye with proximal canaliculus slitting, 1 eye with canaliculus stenosis and 4 eyes with still present functional epiphora without detectable abnormal at the last follow-up. Secondary intubation is an effective procedure with low recurrence probability for functional epiphora after En-DCR. Punctal and canaliculus injury are the main tube-associated complications after secondary intubation.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction.

This study was designed to investigate the influence of primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) on the structure and function of the Meibomian gland and to examine whether it is related to functional failure after dacryocystorhinostomy surgery. Medical records of patients diagnosed as PANDO from August 2021 to February 2022 were retrospectively studied. Results of slit lamp examination, lacrimal drainage test, tear break-up time, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and meibography were collected. Tear meniscus height, tear break-up time, meiboscore, and lipid layer thickness of tear membrane were parameters compared between the eyes with complete PANDO and the control group. Medical records of 44 patients, therefore 88 eyes were collected, and there were 28 eyes with complete PANDO (total obstruction group), while normal eyes (control group) were 30. Mean tear meniscus height was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P value<0.001), but tear break-up time ( P value=0.322), lipid layer thickness ( P value=0.755), and meiboscore ( P value=0.268) were not significantly different. However, in the cases with moderate and severe meibomian gland destruction, the lipid layer thickness of the total obstruction group was significantly thinner than the control group. Lipid secretion of meibomian glands was less in eyes with PANDO than in eyes without PANDO, under moderate to severe meibomian gland destruction. It can lead to persistent epiphora after dacryocystorhinostomy due to a compensatory response against evaporative dry eye disease. Patients should be educated before the decision to undergo surgeries about the possibilities of persistent epiphora. Further studies are needed to prove the mechanism of meibomian gland function disturbance in PANDO.

Efficacy of pyridostigmine (Mestinon) in the relief of patients with epiphora.

Although the mechanism is not clear, the inability of the orbicularis oculi muscle, especially the deeper segment (Horner muscle), is thought to be responsible in epiphora. This study evaluates the effect of the anticholinergic drug pyridostigmine (Mestinon) in patients with patent but dysfunctional lacrimal drainage system. Twenty patients with bilateral epiphora (mean age:60.78±6.49 yrs) were included in this study. Patients with a patent lacrimal irrigation test based on persistent and symptomatic epiphora, wiping >10 times daily or continuous tearing and grade 4-5 epiphora according to Munk scale, showing neuropathic involvement in the orbicularis oculi muscle by the quantitative motor unit potential (MUP) analysis method were evaluated prospectively. Fluorescein dye disappearance test (a semi-quantitative assessment of delayed tear outflow) together with a Schirmer test reading were performed in order to detect dry eye. The patients were evaluated for tear meniscus measurements by anterior segment optical coherence topography (OCT) and non-invasive tear break-up time (NI-BUT) was measured by Oculus Keratograph 5 M. Those with a NI-BUT value above 10s, without eyelid laxity, previous ocular surgery or ocular surface disease, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and who agreed to use the drug were included in the study. Each subject underwent OCT measurements of the lower tear meniscus of both eyes before and 15mins after taking Mestinon (1×60mg tablet). Upon measurement of the positive effect of the drug on tear meniscus height (TMH), the patients were asked to continue this regime daily for 1 month and then evaluated for relief in their epiphora complaints and any systemic drug side effects. A total of 20 patients (40 eyes) with bilateral epiphora were included in the study. All eyes had grade 4 Munk-score epiphora, Schirmer's test was within the normal range in all eyes (mean, 14±4mm), and patent lacrimal irrigation test. The lower mean TMH reductions 15min after Mestinon in the right and left eyes were 135.41±85.47 and 55.44±61.56mm, respectively, a statistically significant decrease in both eyes (p=0.001, p<0.01). The mean tear meniscus area (TMA) in the right and left eyes was 131.83±68.27mm2 and 62.72±50.57mm2, respectively; 15 mins after administration of Mestinon, the mean TMA in the right and left eyes was 77.27±48.34 and 59.18±44.74mm2, respectively (p=0.001, p<0.01). The mean decreases of 54.56±39.34mm2 in the right eye area and 3.53±42.32mm2 in the left eye area were statistically significant (p=0.041, p<0.05). Symptomatic relief for epiphora cannot be achieved with known treatment options due to lacrimal pump dysfunction. We found that pyridostigmine (Mestinon) provided relief in patients' complaints of epiphora consistent with a significant reduction in TMH levels.

CONGENITAL NASOLACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

PURPOSE: To determine management protocol in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in age group of 3 months to 6 yrs . METHOD:A prospective interventional study was conducted on 30 patients with CNLDO within the age group 3 months to 6 yrs from September 2020 to April 2022. The diagnosis was made based on a history of epiphora since birth, or shortly after birth, in one or both eyes supported by objective evidence of reduced lacrimal outflow using a fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT). Ocular examination was carried out to exclude punctal stenosis or other abnormality. Patients with positive FDDT test were considered for various treatment modalities. Patients with age &lt; 1 year considered for criggler massage 8-10 times a day. Patients with persistent epiphora and mucous discharge were considered for endoscopic assisted probing or DCR with intubation under general anaesthesia. RESULTS: The study group comprised of 30 patients, out of which 40 % were male and 60 % were female. On the basis of age of representation 60 % were between 12 months, 26 % between 1 year – 4 year and 14 % more than 4 years. In this study all patients were prescribed crigler massage but the patients not improved on massage and, 12 months - 4 years and more than 4 years were prescribed with endoscopic assisted probing, and DCR with intubation respectively. In this study out of 30 patients of CNLDO 16 patients were improved by crigler massage (in age group of &lt; 12 months ) ,9 patients were improved with endoscopy assisted probing with 90 % of successful result in age group of 12 months - 4 years and 5 patients improved from DCR with intubation depending upon age of patients . CNLDO is a relative CONCLUSIONcommon disorder in peadiatric population ( 5 - 20 % ) due to failure of canalisation of the distal end of nasolacrimal duct leading to watery and mucoid discharge. Conservative management in the form of crigler massage considered to be safest and effective with higher success rate. Patients with no improvement on crigler massage and persistence of symptoms shows more effective outcome with endoscopic assisted probing or DCR with intubation.

Restrictive Strabismus Developing after Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: To report a case of diplopia caused by restrictive strabismus developing after conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR).Case summary: A 61-year-old female presented with persistent epiphora after failure to repair ipsilateral canalicular lacerations of the left eye caused by trauma occurred 25 years ago. CDCR was performed and the epiphora improved. Four months later, the patient presented with diplopia on the left gaze. An abduction limitation of -4 and a supraduction limitation of -3 were observed in the left eye. Therefore, Jones tube removal was performed 5 months after CDCR surgery. Two weeks later, as the limitations persisted, adhesiolysis of the conjunctiva and an amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) were performed. This exposed a subconjunctival adhesion at the inferonasal conjunctiva; histopathological examination revealed fibrotic tissues. Three months later, the adhesions recurred and the patient was transferred to another hospital. Conjunctival adhesiolysis, AMT, and a 6.5 mm recession of medial rectus (MR) muscle were performed. One week later, exotropia occurred in the primary position, and the MR muscle of the left eye was advanced by 2 mm. Nine months after the final surgery, the primary gaze was orthotropia. The diplopia within the central 20° of visual field had disappeared. However, a levoelevation limitation of -1.5 remained in the left eye.Conclusions: CDCR is the only treatment method for patients with occlusion of both the upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi. However, rare complications such as restrictive strabismus with diplopia may occur. As preventing adhesion is difficult, sufficient patient notice is required prior to surgery.

The electromyographic analysis of orbicularis oculi muscle in epiphora.

Purpose:Functional epiphora is a clinical condition that presents with the complaint of watery eyes, but without anatomical stenosis in the lacrimal drainage system. Although the mechanism is not clear, there are various possibilities involving the movement of the orbicularis oculi muscle, especially its deeper segment (Horner’s muscle). We aimed to evaluate the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle in patients with patent, but dysfunctional lacrimal drainage system using a quantitative motor unit potential (MUP) analysis.Methods:Twenty-eight patients with functional epiphora (mean age = 59 years) and a control group of 28 volunteers were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were persistent and symptomatic epiphora or wiping >10 times per day and diagnosis confirmation by lacrimal irrigation test. Electromyography (EMG) was performed on the deeper segment of the orbicularis oculi muscle (medial and lateral parts). MUP parameters (duration time, amplitude, number of phases, number of turns, area, rise time, and thickness) were evaluated in both groups. Any increase in amplitude, prolongation time (>14 ms), number of turns, and satellite potential was taken as characteristic of the neurogenic type of epiphora, whereas shortened motor unit duration time, increased phase number, and low amplitude are the features of myopathic type.Results:Upon MUP analysis of the medial and lateral orbicularis oculi muscle, the increase in duration and thickness values in the medial part and the increase in duration, amplitude, area, and thickness values of the lateral part were found to be statistically significant in the patient group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In the evaluation of the patients’ medial and lateral orbicularis oculi muscle, the increase in phase values and decrease in amplitude, area, and rise time values were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.024, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.010, respectively).Conclusion:These data show that functional epiphora is due to neurogenic damage of the orbicularis oculi muscle and should be investigated in more detail.

Persistent epiphora after endonasal ENT surgery: CT dacryography findings

To analyze postoperative CT dacryography features in patients with persistent epiphora after endonasal surgery. We conducted a retrospective study of 76 patients with a history of persistent epiphora after endonasal ENT surgery who underwent CT dacryography between January 2014 and February 2020. Volume acquisition of sub-millimeter sections allowed 2D and 3D reconstructions with virtual endoscopy of the nasosinusal cavities and the lacrimal canal. The postsurgical appearance of the nasosinusal cavities revealed a middle meatal antrostomy in 37% of cases, less frequently an ethmoidectomy or an inferior meatal antrostomy, sometimes completed by a middle or inferior turbinectomy. In thirty-five patients (46%), the lacrimal canal was distant from the endonasal ENT procedure. Epiphora was related to mucosal hypertrophy, constricting all or part of the lacrimal canal. Thirty-three patients (43%) showed changes in the lacrimal canal at the surgical site. In the inferior meatus, the nasolacrimal orifice was sometimes involved in the inferior turbinectomy or meatotomy, but most of the time, in the middle meatus, resection of the uncinate process prior to ethmoidectomy or middle meatotomy was associated with a lesion of the contiguous lacrimal canal. As a rare cause of persistent tearing, involvement of the nasolacrimal duct at the edge of the endonasal ENT surgery highlights the importance of intraoperative localization of the nasolacrimal duct before resection of the uncinate process or the inferior turbinate, ideally predicted by preoperative CT imaging.

Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (2021)

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common ophthalmic disease in children with a high incidence. The main clinical manifestation is persistent epiphora soon after birth, sometimes accompanied by an abscess. At present, the treatment methods used include conservative treatment and surgical treatment, but there exist some problems, such as improper surgical indications and non-standard surgical operation. In view of this, the Oculoplastic and Orbital Disease Group of Chinese Ophthalmological Society of Chinese Medical Association has reached a consensus after full discussion, in order to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in China. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 814-818).

P31 Cogan's syndrome—a neglected autoimmune vasculitis

P31 Cogan's syndrome—a neglected autoimmune vasculitis

Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy vs nasolacrimal duct intubation in pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction - a comparative study

Abstract Study design; Pilot randomized controlled study. Objective To compare success rates of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and nasolacrimal duct intubation in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in a trial to define the superiority of either technique. Patients &amp; Methods Sixty-six eyes of 61 patients were diagnosed as having epiphora and mucopurulent discharge due to congenital NLDO. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group A; 33 eyes of 28 patients (treated by probing and silicone intubation only (NLDI)) and Group B; 33 eyes of 33 patients (treated by endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone tube intubation (EDCR). All tubes were removed 6 months after the operation. Results The success rate, defined as complete resolution of clinical symptoms and signs after 6 months of follow up, was 72.7 % in Group A and 81.8% in Group B. Although the success rate was higher in Group B, yet the difference was shown to be statistically nonsignificant. Preoperative symptoms were assessed postoperatively after tube removal. Complete cure had a higher rate of occurrence in Group B than in Group A (27eyes (81.8%) versus 25 eyes of 22 patients (75.8%) respectively). Postoperative positive fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) after tube removal was more in Group B than in Group A (27 eyes (81.8) versus 24 eyes of 21 patients (72.7 %) respectively). In Group A, silicone tubes had to be repositioned due to prolapse in 3 eyes of 3 patients (9.1%) and had to be removed early in 3 eyes of 3 patients (9.1%) due to failure of repositioning. In Group B, silicone tubes did not require early tube extraction before the date of removal in any of the patients. Intraoperative, there was only one case (3.0%) of fat prolapse during EDCR in Group B with no subsequent postoperative complications. Hemostasis did not represent a problem in any of the patients. Postoperative complications occurred more in Group B than Group A (21 eyes (63.6%) versus 13 eyes of 13 patients (39.4 %) respectively). Late complications occurred more in Group B than Group A (18 eyes (54.5%) versus 12 eyes of 12 patients (36.4%) respectively) in the form of persistent epiphora and tube prolapse. Conclusion The success rate of pediatric EDCR was higher than that of pediatric NLDI. The difference was statistically non-significant. Complications were comparable between the two groups. The study, being pilot in its comparative aspect between endoscopy and intubation, opens the horizon for further study on a larger group that probably will expand this difference.

Effect of Silver Nitrate Application on the Success of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

To compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing additional procedures in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (End-DCR) surgery and discuss the factors affecting the success of End-DCR surgery in light of relevant literature. The study included 155 patients who underwent End-DCR surgery in our clinic due to epiphora. This was a prospective randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Group I (control) included 54 patients who did not undergo silicone stent insertion or silver nitrate application, group II included 51 patients who underwent silicone stent insertion only, and group III included 50 patients who underwent silver nitrate application only. Statistical analysis was performed on follow-up data regarding anatomic and functional success rates. Revision surgery was performed in 16 patients who developed persistent epiphora in the postoperative period, including 6 in group I, 7 in group II, and 3 in group III (P = .4). The most common reason for revision surgery was stenosis of the neo-ostium (n = 8), followed by granulation tissue formation (n = 5) and synechia formation (n = 3). Granuloma formation was the most common postoperative complication, and a significant difference was found among the groups with regard to granuloma formation (P = .04). At postoperative month 12, the functional success rate was estimated to be 88%, 86%, and 94%, and the anatomic success rate was estimated to be 94%, 92%, and 96% in groups I, II, and III, respectively, with no significant difference, found among the 3 groups with regard to both rates (P = .79 and P = .76, respectively). The results indicated that stenting and silver nitrate application did not affect surgical success. Our preliminary results on silver nitrate cauterization showed that it is an effective, inexpensive, and practical method to reduce granulation formation in the postoperative period.

Extended Anterior Inferior Approach to Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy for Maxillary Sinus Lesions.

Myriad open and endoscopic approaches are employed to resect maxillary sinus lesions, each with associated advantages and disadvantages. The inferior and anterior portion of the sinus remains a challenging space to access. To describe the extended anterior inferior approach to endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EAMM) as a novel and valuable addition to a stepwise approach for minimizing surgical morbidity without compromising tumor outcomes. To report the outcomes of patients treated with this approach. A retrospective case series study of 9 patients who underwent EAMM between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary care referral center was performed. The endoscopic technique is described. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 53 months. Intraoperative steps, including transection of the nasolacrimal duct and execution of an intraoperative dacryocystorhinostomy, were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes, including patient symptoms at follow-up and tumor recurrence, were recorded. Adequate exposure with gross total tumor resection or margin-negative tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Sparing of the nasolacrimal duct was achieved in 2 patients. No patients reported persistent epiphora, empty nose syndrome, or changes in cosmesis such as alar or nasal tip collapse. One patient reported unilateral V2 hypoesthesia at 6 months postoperatively that had resolved by his next follow-up 18 months after surgery. Postoperative tumor surveillance was achieved by endoscopic examinations in all patients and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a median follow-up of 22 months. The EAMM provides improved access to the inferior-posterior-medial maxillary sinus. This approach minimizes the risk of hypoesthesia and change in cosmesis present in other approaches, and obviates division of the nasolacrimal duct for inferior, posterior-medial attached lesions. This progressive escalation of approach for maxillary sinus lesions minimizes injury to nasal and nasolacrimal structures without compromising tumor outcomes.

Evaluation and Comparison of the Outcomes of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with and without Silicone Stent

Introduction Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy aims to establish a patent nasolacrimal fistula. Use of silicone stent is a preferred modification to achieve long term patency of neo-ostium, though it has been blamed for granulations, synechia and punctal erosion. Present study was done to evaluate and compare the outcomes of Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with and without stent. Materials and Methods 40 patients of with chronic dacryocystitis and nasolacrimal duct blockage were selected for the study. Nasal endoscopy was done for suitability of surgical access and to detect any nasal pathology. Sac syringing was done to assess the site of blockage and Dacryoscintigraphy to confirm it. 20 patients in Group A underwent Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without stent and remaining 20 in Group B with silicone stent. Success rates were determined by subjective relief from epiphora and by endoscopic visualization of rhinostomy opening, granulation tissues/ synechiae at rhinostomy site and by result of sac syringing. Results In Group A, complete relief was obtained in 75% patients, significant relief in 10% and no relief in 15% patients thus recording overall success rate of 85%; whereas in Group B complete relief of symptom was obtained in 70% patients, significant relief in 10% and no symptom relief in 20% patients thus recording the overall success rate of 80%. Cases in Group B were also found to have persistent epiphora (17.5%), stenosis of ostium (25%), granulation (35%) and synechia (37.5%). Conclusion Stenting does not significantly improve the success of Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy but is associated with more complications.

Risk factors for persistent epiphora following successful canalicular laceration repair.

To identify the risk factors of epiphora in patients with anatomical patency after surgical repair of canalicular laceration. This retrospective case series included 178 cases of canalicular laceration repair from 2005 to 2012. Demographic data collected from each patient included age, sex, type of injury, distance from the distal lacerated end of the canaliculus to the punctum, the severity score for the structural abnormity of the medial canthus, the duration of stent placement, and the timing of surgery. The risk factors for epiphora were evaluated using Logistic regression models. Among the 178 cases, 45 (25.3%) with lacrimal patency after irrigation had symptomatic epiphora at the final follow-up. Patients' sex, age, type of injury, duration of stent placement, timing of surgery, and concurrent trauma were not found to be significantly associated with symptomatic epiphora after surgical repair of the lacerated canaliculus (P>0.05). A distance of more than 5 mm from the distal cut end to the punctum was closely and significantly associated with symptomatic epiphora after surgical repair of the lacerated canaliculus (P<0.01). Symptomatic epiphora was significantly more frequent in patients with higher severity scores for structural abnormities of the medial canthus (P<0.01). Our results indicate that the risk factors for postoperative symptomatic epiphora include a further distance between the distal cut end and the lacrimal punctum and a higher severity score for structural abnormities of the medial canthus. These findings could be used to prognosticate postoperative symptomatic epiphora.

A Comparative Study of External Dacryocystorhinostomy with Stent Versus No Stent in Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Background: Epiphora is defiened as decreased tear transfusion or defective tear discharge flow. Blockage of the NLD (NLDO) prevents the flow of tears from the eye to the nose, leading to symptoms of obstruction. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) was established as the predominant measure. Objective: To evaluate the effect of intubation on the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy. Patients and methods: It was a prospective interventional randomized study. The study was carried on 40 eyes of patients were going to do DCR under general anaethesia. They were divided into 2 groups as follows: Group A (20 participants) were undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone intubation and group B (20 participants) were undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy without intubation. Results: At the final follow up of the patients of the two groups for 6 months, there were 4 cases had persistent epiphora post-operative two cases in group (A) and two cases in group (B). This indicated that there was no significant difference between the use of intubation or not in cases of acquired NLDO and chronic dacryocystitis. Conclusion: External dacryocystorhinostomy is still gold standard surgical treatment in primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This study showed that the silicone tube implantation is not necessary in the surgery.

A Comparative Study of External Dacryocystorhinostomy with Stent Versus No Stent in Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Background: Epiphora is defiened as decreased tear transfusion or defective tear discharge flow. Blockage of the NLD (NLDO) prevents the flow of tears from the eye to the nose, leading to symptoms of obstruction. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) was established as the predominant measure. Objective: To evaluate the effect of intubation on the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy. Patients and methods: It was a prospective interventional randomized study. The study was carried on 40 eyes of patients were going to do DCR under general anaethesia. They were divided into 2 groups as follows: Group A (20 participants) were undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone intubation and group B (20 participants) were undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy without intubation. Results: At the final follow up of the patients of the two groups for 6 months, there were 4 cases had persistent epiphora post-operative two cases in group (A) and two cases in group (B). This indicated that there was no significant difference between the use of intubation or not in cases of acquired NLDO and chronic dacryocystitis. Conclusion: External dacryocystorhinostomy is still gold standard surgical treatment in primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This study showed that the silicone tube implantation is not necessary in the surgery.

A Prospective Longitudinal Study to Evaluate the Outcomes of Success of Endoscopic DCR in Pediatric Age Group.

Children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) have different therapeutic approach from that used in adults. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the most common procedure in adults but it is less frequently carried out in children, indicated in children which are refractory to probing. The objective of the study is to report a series of 30 cases of paediatric epiphora who underwent endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, for primary obstruction of nasolacrimal duct and results, outcomes of success are evaluated. This is a prospective and non-comparative review of 30 cases of epiphora aged between 3 and 9years from April 2018 to March 2019. The main outcome measures assessed were determined by the resolution of symptoms and the patency of the lacrimal anatomy confirmed by syringing or irrigating the nasolacrimal duct. Secondary outcomes included the presence of such complications as bleeding, scarring, and/or persistent epiphora and infection. In our study 30 patients underwent unilateral DCR surgery in NLDO. Out of 30 patients males were 17 and females were 13. The overall success rate of endoscopic DCR was 90%, and failed cases were mainly due to pre-saccal obstruction. No major complications were reported, minor complications occurred in about 60% of cases. Analysis of the results indicated that EDCR was safe and an effective therapeutic approach for treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction in pediatric age group patients having NLDO. It's considered as an alternative procedure to external dacryocystorhinostomy after a failed conservative treatment.

Dacryocystectomy with Lacrimal Silicone Intubation in Challenging Patients Affected by Recurrent Dacryocystitis and Epiphora: Expanding Minimally Invasive Approach Indications

Objective:In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of dacryocystectomy associated with lacrimal intubation, for the treatment of recurrent dacryocystitis and epiphora secondary to lacrimal obstruction with compromised lacrimal sac, was evaluated.Subjects and Methods:32 patients underwent dacryocystectomy with Crawford tubes canalicular insertion, performed by a single surgeon. Post-operative visits were scheduled at 1stand 10th day, 1, 3, and 6 months. At each follow-up visit, the prevalence of epiphora and dacryocystitis was evaluated and compared with baseline data. Also, we evaluated the prevalence of local and systemic post-operative adverse events during the follow-up period.Results:11 patients (34.38%) reported persistent epiphora, which lasted for 30 days after surgery. Among them, 9 subjects (28.13%) complained occasional epiphora even at the six months follow-up. In the event of dacryocystitis or subacute phlogosis before surgery, patients reported a definitive symptom resolution. Other reported adverse events were epithelial corneal erosion due to Crawford tube protrusion (4 cases, 12.5%), a Crawford tube extrusion case (3.13%), 3 cases of surgical wound dehiscence (9.36%), and a case of mild local bleeding persisting for 15 daysConclusion:A significative epiphora reduction was observed after surgery with an acceptable safety profile, expanding dacryocystectomy indications. This procedure provides a satisfactory resolution of recurrent dacryocystitis. However, this approach should be performed only in well-selected cases: elderly/frail patients with altered lacrimal sacs, epiphora associated with recurrent infections, and failure after dacryocystectomy.