Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with the Use of Radiofrequency (RF) Surgical Technique

Endonazal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with radiofrequency (RF) surgical technique is a procedure selected for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has the high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR radiofrequency RF operative technique. The modified endonasal RF-coagulation technique was performed in patients aged 18 - 85 (women-80, men-35) from 2017 to 2023. All patients suffered from chronic dacryocystitis. They had been administered the course of traditional conservative treatment and were provided with the ophthalmologist’s and otorhinolaryngology’s consultations prior to the surgery. In order to verify the diagnosis, the patients were conducted the CT-scan examination of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the endoscopy of nasal cavity. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with RF coagulator proved to be effective in 80% of patients;Over 3 - 4 years following the surgery, the recurrence was manifested in 8 patients after 6 months and in 12 patients, after a year. The above mentioned surgical treatment is administered by minimally invasive surgical method. At the same time, the long-term, for about 1 year, implantation of silicone drainage in the nasolacrimal ducts significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. At the present stage, the endoscopic Endo-DCR surgery is being improved, and the diverse treatment methods, including radiofrequency (RF) in endonasal endoscopic microsurgical techniques, are being studied and introduced into practice.

Efficacy of adjuvant mitomycin-C and triamcinoloneimpregnated nasal packing for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

●AIM:To compare the success rate and complications of adjuvant use of mitomycin C and triamcinoloneimpregnated biodegradable nasal packing(TABP)in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).And to evaluate the efficacy of combining intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP for endoscopic DCR.●METHODS:A total of 198 eyes of 148 patients who underwent endoscopic DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were retrospectively analysed.The patients were randomly divided into three groups:Group A included patients treated without intraoperative mitomycin C but with TABP,Group B included patients treated without triamcinolone but with intraoperative mitomycin C and normal saline-impregnated nasal packing,and Group C included patients treated with intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP.●RESULTS:The results revealed no significant difference in the overall success rates between Groups A(86.8%)and B(89.2%;P=0.377).However,Group C(97.5%)showed a significantly higher overall success rate than Groups A and B.The incidence of granulomas was significantly lower in group C(5%)than in Groups A(20.8%)and B(15.2%;P=0.009).Other complications,such as crust,synechiae,and revision surgery,did not differ significantly among the three groups.●CONCLUSION:The combination of intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP effectively prevents granulomas and enhances surgical success rate.Additionally,there is no statistically significant difference observed between the use of mitomycin C or TABP alone.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in acute dacryocystitis:a multicenter study in China

AIM:To repor t the clinical profile,endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR)management,and acute dacryocystitis(AD)outcomes in China.METHODS:Clinical data of 554 adult AD patients(554 eyes)who presented in 7 tertiary eye care centers for 10y from Jan 2010 to Mar 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical profile,En-DCR management,and outcomes of all cases were recorded.The anatomical and functional success were evaluated for 12mo post-operation.RESULTS:The analysis included 149 males and 368 females with a median age of 55.2y(range:18-84y).There were 459 eyes with a history of epiphora or purulent secretion.The time between a symptom of lacrimal duct obstruction and acute onset was 1 to 540(66.1±58.2)mo.Fifty-nine eyes had a history of the previous acute attack.Seventy-four eyes developed a cutaneous fistula,while 11 eyes had post septal cellulitis pre-operation.En-DCR with an anatomical success of 91.7%and functional success of 90.1%.The success rate of the patients with a history of acute episodes and the preoperative fistula was lower than the overall success rates.CONCLUSION:En-DCR can be performed during an acute episode in AD with a success rate of over 90%.

Nasal flap preservation in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction

AIM:To compare surgical outcomes between the conventional endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR)and a modified endoscopic DCR for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction(NLDO),and evaluate factors associated with the surgical success rate.METHODS:Medical records of patients who underwent primary DCR surgery between January 2016 and July 2020 at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye and Ear International Hospital,Lebanon were reviewed.RESULTS:The study group consisted of 50 consecutive modified endoscopic DCR and the control group consisted of 138 consecutive conventional endoscopic DCR.The success rates at 1y were 98.0%(49 out of 50)for modified DCR,significantly higher compared to 84.8%(117/138)for the conventional DCR;there was no significant difference in the success rate throughout the years in terms of both surgical techniques.The modified surgery vs traditional[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=14.96]and having an adjunctive septoplasty surgery vs not(aOR=3.99)were significantly associated with higher odds of success.CONCLUSION:Mucosal flap preservation and apposition shows significant improvement in the surgical success rate.Moreover,there is no statistically significant difference found in terms of complication rate and mean operative time between the conventional and the modified techniques.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation for treating chronic dacryocystitis secondary to nasolacrimal duct stent incarceration

AIM:To investigate the feasibility of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR)with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation for treating chronic dacryocystitis secondary to nasolacrimal duct stent(NDS)incarceration.METHODS:En-DCRs were performed on 44 chronic dacryocystitis patients(46 eyes)secondary to NDS incarceration from April 2016 to October 2022.The granuloma and scar tissues were separated,and the removal of NDS incarceration was achieved during the surgery;the flap of the lacrimal sac was trimmed and anastomosed with nasal mucosal,a bicanalicular silicone tube was implanted,and lacrimal size and condition were assessed.The tube was removed 3mo after surgery.During the final follow-up of 12mo when the surgery was completed,the complications and the rates of surgical success were assessed.RESULTS:This study covered 40 patients(42 eyes).Intraoperatively,it was found that the lacrimal sac became small,and the sac wall had granulation and scar tissue attached to the incarcerated NDS in all eyes.At 12mo after surgery completed,the rates of the functional and anatomical success reached 80.95%(34/42)and 83.33%(35/42),respectively.Under the effect of intranasal ostial closure,seven eyes failed to achieve anatomical success.No serious complications(e.g.,visual impairment,sinusitis,and orbital fat prolapse)was observed.CONCLUSION:With the success rate over 80%and no serious complications,En-DCR with bicanalicular silicone tube implantation is effective in treating chronic dacryocystitis secondary to NDS incarceration.

Effect of intubation in patients with functional epiphora after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of bicanalicular silicone tube intubation(BSTI)in the treatment of functional epiphora after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR).METHODS: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.RESULTS:Seven patients(9 eyes)refused intervention,5 patients(6 eyes)did not complete postoperative followup,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.CONCLUSION: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.

Endoscopic vs external dacryocystorhinostomy-comparison from the patients' aspect

·AIM: To compare the success and complication rates,duration of surgeries and clinical comfort after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(END-DCR) or external dacryocysto-rhinostomy(EXT-DCR).·METHODS: 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.·RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent END-DCR and 25 underwent EXT-DCR. Mean duration of surgeries were 35 min 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).·CONCLUSION: Although both END- and EXT-DCRs provide satisfactory outcomes with similar objective andsubjective 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.

New mucosal flap modification for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Asians

AIM: To describe a simple modification of fashioning the mucosal flap for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) in Asians and investigate its efficacy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with unilateral primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD) were randomized into two groups: the new shaped nasal mucosal flap group (group A) and the removed nasal mucosal flap group (group B). All patients underwent standard EES-DCR. Patients in group A were performed a new shaped nasal mucosal flap covering the bared bone around the opened sac and those in group B was removed the nasal mucosal flap uncovering the bared bone. Patients were followed up for one year. The occurrence of granulation tissue, the proliferation of scar tissue and success rate of EES-DCR was compared. RESULTS: In the present study, complete postoperative data were acquired from 54 patients in group A and from 57 patients in group B. During process of review, the occurrence of granulation tissue was at the ostium margins account for 15% (8/54) in group A and 39% (22/57) in group B (P<0.05). At the one-year review, scar tissue was present in 5 patients in group A compared with 18 in group B (P<0.05). The success rate of EES-DCR was 98% (53/54) in group A and 84% (48/57) in group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The simple modification of fashioning nasal mucosal flap can effectively cover the bared bone around the opened sac and reduce formation of granulation tissue, lessen the risk of scar tissue formation and closure of ostium, thus improve the success rate of EES-DCR in Asians.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal anastomosing in chronic dacryocystitis with three categories of ethmoid sinuses

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR) with mucosal anastomosis in chronic dacryocystitis patients, with various categories of ethmoid sinuses.METHODS: Between July 2015 and September 2019, 1439 adult patients, representing 1623 affected eyes, presented with chronic dacryocystitis and were scheduled for En-DCR. The categories of ethmoid sinuses were preoperatively determined, using computed tomographydacr yocystography(CT-DCG), and were classified as category 1(C1), category 2(C2), and category 3(C3). No sinuses anterior to the posterior lacrimal crest defined as C1. Sinuses found between the anterior edge of the lacrimal bone and the posterior lacrimal crest defined as C2. Sinuses found anterior to the lacrimal bone suture defined as C3. At the end of surgery, the dacryocyst and nasal mucosa were anastomosed in C1, and the dacryocyst mucosa and anterior ethmoid sinus were anastomosed in C2 and C3 ethmoid sinus patients. The surgical success rate and related complications, in patients with 3 categories of ethmoid cells, were monitored and documented.RESULTS: Postoperative data was obtained for 179 C1 affected eyes, 878 C2 affected eyes, and 432 C3 affected eyes. The overall success rate of En-DCR was 93.0%(1385/1489). Additionally, the success rates were comparable among the different ethmoid categories at 12mo post operation. We demonstrated that the major reason for surgical failure was intranasal ostial closure, due to granulation or scar tissue.CONCLUSION: En-DCR is a feasible and highly effective primary treatment for chronic dacryocystitis. To ensure surgical success, the surgery protocol must be designed in accordance with the category of ethmoid sinuses present in individual patient.

Management of chronic dacryocystitis cases after failed external dacryocystorhinostomy using endoscopic technique with a novel lacrimal ostium stent

AIM: To demonstrate the outcomes of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy(En-DCR) with an novel lacrimal ostium stent(LOS) which was performed in patients with recurrent epiphora after failed external dacryocystorhinostomy(Ex-DCR) and analyze the causes of failed Ex-DCR.METHODS: From September 2015 and December 2017, the clinic data of 29 cases suffered from recurrent epiphora after failed Ex-DCR was reviewed.The LOS were implanted into the ostium at the end of the revisional surgery.The causes of failed Ex-DCR were analyzed before revisional surgeries.Outcome of revisional surgeries with the new device were evaluated as well.RESULTS: The major causes of failure of the external approach were synechiae formation in the nasal ostium(29/29), followed by inadequate removal of the bony wall(21/29), nasal synechiae formation between lateral wall of nose and middle turbinate(11/29), and the bone opening was not in good location(7/29).The rate of success after revisional surgery was 82.76%.Re-obstruction of the ostiums were found in 5 failed cases.CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approach with a novel LOS may be an effective procedure to manage recurrent epiphora after previous failed Ex-DCR surgery.Synechiae formation in the nasal ostium and inadequate removal of the bony wall were the major causes of failure of Ex-DCR.

Outcomes of revision external dacryocystorhinostomy and nasal intubation by bicanalicular silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance

AIM: To evaluate the long-term treatment outcomes in patients who underwent revision of external dacryocysto- rhinostomy (DCR) and nasal intubation by bicanalicular silicone tubing (BSTI) under endonasal endoscopic guidance. · METHODS: Data from 28 patients with recurrent dacryocystitis were retrospectively reviewed. Revision external DCR and bicanalicular nasal intubation by silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance was performed in 28 eyes of 28 patients. The patients were evaluated with respect to the reason of recurrence, time to recurrence, time to revision, duration of follow-up and surgical success. · RESULTS: Endoscopic endonasal examination detected an osteotomy-side obstruction by the excessive granulation tissue in 24 patients (86%), nasal septal deviation in three patients (10%) and nasal polyp in one patient (4%). Recurrence occurred after a mean duration of 5.3±3.7 months following the first operation. The mean time between the first DCR operation and the revision DCR was 11.5 ± 9.3 months. After a mean follow-up of 14.9±7.8 months, the rate of anatomic success alone was 85% (24/28); the rate of subjective success was 78% (22/28). · CONCLUSION: Revision external DCR and bicanalicular nasal intubation by silicone tubing under endonasal endoscopic guidance can be recommended in patients with recurrent dacryocystitis as a surgical approach that achieves satisfactory objective and subjective success rates.

Cosmetic evaluation of surgical scars after external dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM： To evaluate the surgical scars of external dacryocystorhinostomy （DCR） cosmetically. METHODS： Totally 50 consecutive cases of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction （PANDO） were included in the study. Surgical scars were assessed by the patients and two independent observers at 2, 6 and 12wk postoperatively on the basis of visibility of the scars and still photographs respectively and were graded from 0-3. Kappa test was utilised to check the agreement of scar grading between the two observers. Wilcoxan signed ranks test was used to analyse the improvement of scar grading.RESULTS： Thirty-four （68%） patients graded their incision site as very visible （grade 3） at 2wk. At 6 and 12wk, incision site was observed as grade 3 by 7 （14%） and 1 （2%） patients respectively. Photographic evaluation of patients by 2 observers showed an average score of 2.75, 1.94 and 0.94 at 2, 6 and 12wk respectively. Change in scar grading from grade 3 to grade 0 in consecutive follow-up （2, 6 and 12wk） was found to be highly significant both for the patient as well for the observers （P〈0.0001）.CONCLUSION： The external DCR is a highly effective and safe procedure and in view of low percentage of cases who complained of marked scarring in the present study, thus scarring should not be the main ground for deciding the approach to DCR surgery, even in young cosmetically conscious patients.

Laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in nasolacrimal duct obstruction：5-year follow-up

AIM：To evaluate the long-term sucess rate of laserassisted dacryocystorhinostomy （L-DCR） in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction （NDO）.METHODS：Forty-one eyes of forty patients aged between 21-85y （mean 56.7y） who underwent L-DCR for the treatment of NDO were included in this retrospective,non-randomized study. The follow-up time was 72mo.Functional sucess was defined as the disappearance of epiphora under normal conditions and the presence of a patent ostium on lacrimal irrigation. Anatomical success was defined as a patent lacrimal passage on syringing besides continuing epiphora. Surgical failure was defined as persistent epiphora and closed ostium.RESULTS：Twenty-seven of 40 patients （67.5%） were female and 13 of 40 patients （32.5%） were male. The NDO was right-sided in 17 （42.5%） patients and left-sided in 22（55%） patients whereas 1 （2.5%） patient had undergone bilateral surgery. In 11 （27.5%） patients there were additional nasal abnormalities requiring simultaneous surgical approach. The average time for L-DCR was 26.50±4.9min（16-39min） and the average total amount of laser energy used was 287±27.9 J （239-367 J）. At the 5y follow-up, anatomical sucess rate was 75.0%（30 patients） and functional success rate was 65.0%（26 patients）, whereas surgical failure was seen in 25%（10 patients）. Revision of surgery was performed in 10 cases （25.0%）; failure of revision surgery was seen in 2 cases（5.0%）.CONCLUSION： Transcanalicular L-DCR is a reliable and fast procedure in the treatment of NDO. It can be alternative to external DCR which is accepted as the gold standard currently. The functional and anatomical success rate is higher in the first months and years, but still satisfactory at fifth year.

Outcome comparison between transcanalicular and external dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM: To compare the outcomes achieved with external dacryocystorhinostomy(EX-DCR) and transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy(TC-DCR) using a multidiode laser in patients with bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction(NLDO).METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on38 eyes of 19 patients with bilateral NLDO. Simultaneous bilateral surgery was performed on all patients. TC-DCR(Group 1) with a diode laser was used in the right eye,and EX-DCR(Group 2) was used in the left eye. All patients were placed under general anesthesia. Routine follow-ups were scheduled at 1wk; 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo postoperative intervals. Objective(lacrimal system irrigation) and subjective [tearing, irritation, pain,discharge and visual analogue scale(VAS) score]outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS: The overall objective success rate at 12 mo was 73.7%(14/19) in Group 1 and 89.5 %(17/19) in Group2. This difference was statistically significant. There were no significant between-group differences in the subjective results, such as tearing, pain and irritation.Only the discharge scores were found to be significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 at the 1y followup. The average VAS score was 6.8 in Group 1 and 8.7 in Group 2, with no statistically significant differences.CONCLUSION: Although TC-DCR allows surgeons to perform a minimally invasive and safe procedure, EX-DCR offers better objective and subjective outcomes than TC-DCR.

Histopathologic effects of a low molecular weight heparin on bone healing in rats:a promising adjuvant in dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM： To investigate the effect of short -term prophylactic dose of a low molecular weight heparin （LMWH） drug on the bone healing process in an animal model simulating the osteotomy obtained in dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS： Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into 2 groups. Subcutaneous injections of enoxaparin 1 mg/kg （enoxaparin-treated group） and saline solution （control group） were performed once daily for 4d, beginning on the first preoperative day. The osteotomy was created at the femoral diaphysis in all animals by using a Kirschner wire. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups depending on the timing of the second operation, 14 or 21d following initial osteotomy. Patent osteotomy area on the second and the third weeks in each group were calculated by using a computer software on digital micrographs. RESULTS： The patent osteotomy areas at the second and the third weeks were significantly larger in the enoxaparin-treated group than those of the control group （P〈0.001 for each time-period）. In the control group, the patent osteotomy area at the third week of healing was significantly smaller than that of the second week （P=0.003）, whereas there was no significant difference between these two measurements in the enoxaparin-treated group （P=0.185）. CONCLUSION： Short -term administration of enoxaparin resultes in a significant alteration in bone healing at 14 and 21d after injury. LMWHs can be regarded as promising alternative adjuvants in dacryocystorhinostomy after being evaluated with further clinical and animal studies,

Aerocyst urethral catheter insertion compared to expansion sponges application in external dacryocystorhinostomy

AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect and complications of two different filling materials (aerocyst urethral catheter and expansion sponges) applying in external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) and compare their advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: A retrospective study was made in the period from April, 1 2000 to April, 1 2005. Totally 180 patients (240 eyes) underwent the EX-DCR using different filling materials and divided into three groups randomly: negative control groups (group 1), expansion sponges group (group 2) and aerocyst urethral catheter group (group 3). The gender, etiology, clinical findings, surgical technique, filling materials, the condition of ocular surface and complications were analyzed. Filling materials were removed during day 7. Postoperative success was determined by lacrimal patency to irrigation, a positive dye test, hemorrhage and errhysis conditions after extubation and subjective resolution of epiphora and liquor puris. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 5.14? .69 years, the success rate were 73.7% (group 1), 86.5% (group 2), 98.7% (group 3) in three groups. There was significant statistical difference among three groups in the surgical success rate and the operative complications (including hemorrhage, errhysis, periorbital ecchymosis after extubation)(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EXT-DCR with aerocyst urethral cathete intraoperatively have higher success rate, fewer operative complications and a high patient satisfaction,and can be used to simplify and speed up traditional EXT-DCR.

Impact of the interval after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy on the outcomes of intraocular surgery: a 4-year retrospective study

Background:Patients with dacryocystitis should be treated for their infection by endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(EN-DCR)before any intraocular surgery.However,there is no unified standard for the specific time interval between the two surgeries.This study aimed to determine the appropriate interval for intraocular surgery in patients with previous EN-DCR for chronic dacryocystitis.Methods:The medical files of all patients who underwent intraocular surgery after EN-DCR surgery in our hospital from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed.The EN-DCR data of patients undergoing intraocular surgery at different time intervals and the incidence of endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery were compared.Results:A total of 116 patients(92 females and 24 males,mean age 64.06±7.78 years)underwent EN-DCR and intraocular surgery met the inclusion criteria.The interval between EN-DCR and intraocular surgery varied from 5-475 days.The number of patients undergoing cataract surgery after EN-DCR is the largest(75,64.7%).All patients(100%)who had previously undergone EN-DCR did not develop endophthalmitis infection after intraocular surgery at a follow-up of 12 months.Conclusions:For patients with dacryocystitis who have undergone EN-DCR surgery,there is no time limit when choosing the timing of intraocular surgery.For patients requiring intraocular surgery,operation can be arranged as soon as possible to solve their problems as long as the patients had patency on lacrimal passage irrigation and no secretions.

External Dacryocystorhinostomy: 4 Years’ Experience from CHU-IOTA in Mali

Aim: To analyze the clinical characteristics and the surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical record of 62 patients who underwent external DCR for NLDO between November 2015 and November 2019 at CHU-IOTA in Mali. The preoperative clinical findings and the postoperative outcomes after a minimum follow up of 3 months were analyzed. Results: epiphora, discharges and canthal swelling were main symptoms of the 62 patients (68% women, 32% men), with the mean age of 47 years (10 - 76). Among them, 36 had chronic dacryocystitis, 12 had a traumatic NLDO and 8 followed a septal deviation. The majority (77%) were operated on under local anesthesia with sedation. Bicanalicular intubation was performed in 29% of patients. After postoperative follow up of at least 3 months, only 8 patients had persistent watering, thus a subjective functional success of 87%. Conclusion: In the nasolacrimal duct obstruction, most often secondary to chronic dacryocystitis, external dacryocystorhinostomy remains a technique of choice with very good success.

New Anesthetic Technique for Dacryocystorhinostomy: 218 Cases with Local-Anesthesia Ultrasonographic Guided and Blunt Cannula

Introduction: Epiphora is a common ophthalmologic complaint and referrals to oculoplastics and, in the presence of lower complete lacrimonasal duct obstruction, may lead to mild to severe complications, thus requiring surgery to create a new drainage path. The external dacryocystorhinostomy with silicon intubation is the surgical technique with better long-term outcomes and performed in the institutions where this study was conducted. Can be performed under either general or loco-regional anesthesia, or a combination of both. Methods: This article presents a revision of 218 consecutive cases from December 2016 to June 2021 in two specialized centers with the same standardized surgical and anesthetic technique. Results: 242 surgical prontuaries were selected, with 218 filling the inclusion criteria. 13% of the patients required additional anesthetic infusion before the beginning of the surgery;2.7% of the patients required field anesthetic infusion during the surgery and 6.4% required supplementary sedation, thus meaning a positive outcome, as the number of patients with intraoperative complaints was low, and the overall comfort was high. During the follow up, no patient required pain medication after 24 hours. Discussion: This study points towards the feasibility of the described technique in an outpatient fashion, with low, mild and tolerable side effects associated.

Comparison of First 50 and Subsequent 74 Surgeries of Transcanalicular Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy Performed by a Surgeon Team

Purpose: To compare perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the first and following 50 cases of transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy performed by a surgeon team. Methods: Results of 124 eyes of 115 patients who had a diagnosis of distal obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system and underwent transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy procedures were retrospectively detected. Initial 50 eyes were considered as group 1;74 following eyes were accepted as group 2. Groups were compared regarding age, gender, total surgical time, time for creation of osteotomy, pain score, bleeding score, anatomic and functional success rates. Results: The average total surgical time was 43.2 ± 6.0 minutes (range: 31 to 65 minutes) in group 1, and 30.0 ± 6.4 minutes (range: 21 to 57 minutes) in group 2 (p < 0.001). Laser osteotomy creation required 25.0 ± 4.2 minutes (range: 14 to 34 minutes) in group 1, and 14.6 ± 3.6 months (range: 9 to 28 minutes) (p < 0.001). Intraoperative pain and bleeding scores were significantly better in group 2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Success rate was 54.0% in group 1, and 85.1% in group 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of current study clearly showed that increased experience of a surgeon results with improvement of better surgical outcomes. Initial studies about a novel technique should make clear if the study cases are the beginning cases of the authors.