Retrograde intubation dacryocystorhinostomy for proximal and midcanalicular obstruction

External dacryocystorhinostomy: A critical overview of the current evidence

PURPOSE

External dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) is still considered the gold standard in the treatment of distal lacrimal duct obstruction. Despite an overall high success rate, some patients do relapse after surgery and the ideal perioperative management has not been identified yet. The purpose of this study is to critically discuss the published evidence in the last five years on the medical and surgical management of external dacryocystorhinostomy. Furthermore, the drawbacks of the available literature and the perspectives in this field will be also highlighted.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature in the last 5 years by using PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 64 articles were included. Many technical modifications and surgical refinements have been proposed but a formal comparison among the various techniques is hampered by methodological heterogeneity. The use of local anesthesia, and the perioperative adjunctive techniques to reduce the risk of restenosis are also gaining popularity but the level of evidence remains weak.

CONCLUSION

Ext-DCR offers satisfactory clinical outcomes even though there are many gray areas that need to be addressed in future high-quality studies.

Comparative evaluation of dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation and conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation and conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy for the management of proximal mid-bicanalicular lacrimal obstruction.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 50 eyes of 50 adult patients with bicanalicular obstruction ≤ 6 mm from the punctum. The etiology, duration of symptoms, and Munk scores were recorded. Group A underwent dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation, and in group B, conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy was performed. Success was defined as anatomic patency on syringing, a negative fluorescein dye disappearance test, and a Munk score < 2 twelve months postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 23 males and 27 females, 18-66 years of age, with a 6-month to 20-year duration of epiphora. The etiologies were idiopathic, trauma, and allergic conjunctivitis and ocular surface inflammation. In group A, the pseudopunctum was located medial to the diagnosed level of canalicular block by 1.28 ± 0.54 mm and 1.04 ± 0.88 mm in upper and lower canaliculi, respectively. Four post-traumatic cases required intervention following closure of the pseudopunctum, all being located ≥ 7 mm from the true punctum (p = 0.001). The complication rate was higher in group B than in group A (p = 0.001). At 12 months, the success rate was 100% in group A and 88% in group B (22 of 25; p = 0.74), with reduction in Munk scores from preoperative levels in both groups (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation and conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy have comparable success rates in the management of proximal mid-bicanalicular obstructions. Dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation has lower complication rates and does not require long-term maintenance of the bypass tube, unlike conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy.

Long-term outcomes of a new anatomy-based method for finding the medial cut end during late canalicular repair

BACKGROUND

Locating the medial cut end during late repair of canalicular lacerations can be challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of a new anatomy-based method for solving the problem of locating the medial cut end.

METHODS

This retrospective interventional study included 85 eyes of 85 consecutive adult patients with unilateral inferior canalicular lacerations who underwent late primary (≥2 days after injury) or secondary (≥6 months after initial treatment) surgery. Before surgery, the lacerations were classified as lateral, central, or medial according to the 'distance from the punctum to the distal end' of the lacerated inferior canaliculus. The time spent to locate the proximal lacerated end (TSL) was recorded. All patients were followed up for ≥1 year to evaluate the lacrimal passage patency and the distance between the superior and inferior punctum (DBSIP, to assess cosmesis).

RESULTS

There were 16 (18.82%) lateral-type, 55 (64.71%) central-type, and 14 (16.47%) medial-type canalicular lacerations. The TSL was 3.48 ± 1.05 (range 0.9-6.8) min for all patients and differed significantly among the three types of canalicular lacerations (P < 0.001). Lacrimal irrigation showed patent lacrimal passages in 69 patients (81.18%) at 3 months and a further 4 patients (4.71%) at 6 months, residual stenosis without obstruction in 5 patients (5.88%), and obstruction in 7 patients (8.24%). The postoperative DBSIP on the affected side was shorter than the preoperative DBSIP (2.66 ± 0.66 vs. 3.09 ± 1.72 mm, P = 0.006) and comparable to that on the unaffected side (2.78 ± 0.40 mm).

CONCLUSION

Our new anatomy-based method is efficient and achieves good long-term outcomes for all types of late canalicular repair.

Proximal lacrimal obstructions: a review

PURPOSE

The aims of the review are to summarize the aethiopathogenesis, management and outcomes of different treatments of proximal lacrimal obstructions.

METHODS

An electronic database (PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar) search of all articles written in English and non-English language with abstract translated to English on proximal lacrimal obstructions was performed. The articles were reviewed along with their relevant cross references. Data reviewed included demographics, presentations, investigations, management, complications and outcomes.

RESULTS

Punctoplasty is as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent in case of punctal stenosis. Dacryocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation is more effective in case of proximal canalicular obstructions than in case of mid-canalicular obstructions. Trephination and intubation is effective in both mid and distal canalicular obstructions in patients with no associated nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy has a specific indication in case of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the preferred treatment if there is no residual patency, however surgical success may not match patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Optimal choice of surgical method depends on identification of the site of obstruction. Mini-invasive techniques should be avoided in cases that would only benefit from standard surgical treatment.

Possibility of Pseudo-Obstruction in Lacrimal Canalicular Obstruction Diagnosed with Dacryocystography

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the treatment of choice for patients with lacrimal drainage system obstruction. Dacryocystography (DCG) is one of the most common preoperative studies and considered as a useful test demonstrating the anatomy of lacrimal drainage systems.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of DCG for canalicular obstruction and to compare surgical outcomes between true-obstruction versus pseudo-obstruction diagnosed with DCG.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 45 consecutive patients with lacrimal canalicular obstruction who had underwent endoscopic DCR with silicone tube insertion from January 2009 to December 2014 at a single tertiary hospital. A review of medical records included demographic data, preoperative symptoms and signs, results of intraoperative canalicular probing, and surgical outcomes including the postoperative symptom improvement and endoscopic finding.

RESULTS

Of 45 patients, 34 patients (75.6%) had true-canalicular obstructions and 11 patients (24.4%) had pseudo-canalicular obstructions. The success rate of endoscopic DCR was 50% (17 of 34) in cases with true-canalicular obstruction while 90.9% (10 of 11) in pseudo-canalicular obstruction (p value <0.05). No intraoperative or postoperative complications including sinusitis or synechia were found.

CONCLUSIONS

About a quarter of lacrimal canalicular obstruction cases diagnosed with DCG seem to be pseudo-obstruction. The success rate of endoscopic DCR in pseudo-canalicular obstruction is similar to that of saccal and nasolacrimal ductal obstruction.

Management of proximal lacrimal obstructions: a rationale

PURPOSE

To identify a rationale for correct surgical treatment of proximal lacrimal obstructions.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 775 consecutive patients (974 eyes) with proximal lacrimal obstructions, operated on with customized surgery by a senior surgeon (FMQL) from January 2003 to December 2018.

RESULTS

In case of punctal stenosis, punctoplasty was as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent (p > 0.05). In proximal canalicular obstructions, failure rate of dacrocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation (R-DCR) was significantly higher in case of false inferior passage creation than in case of no false passage creation (p = 0.02). In mid-canalicular obstructions failure rate of R-DCR was 41.3%, and bypass surgery with Jones tube at second stage was likely. Trephination and monocanalicular intubation, performed in selected cases, had a failure rate respectively of 16.6% and 21.7% in mid and distal canalicular obstructions. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) was successful in 77% of cases of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the treatment of choice in case of no residual patency, and rates of tube extrusion were significantly reduced with the use of StopLoss Jones tubes (SLJT) (1.7%) with respect to standard tubes (12%), (p = 0.04, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSION

Patient history and accurate diagnosis of the site of obstruction are essential for a correct surgical choice. Less invasive techniques as trephination and intubation may be effective, but should be reserved to patients with no associated lower lacrimal obstruction. Further studies require specific randomized clinical trials, and a standardized protocol adopted by different clinical centres.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as an option for symptomatic epiphora in isolated monocanalicular obstruction

Epiphora from monocanalicular obstruction is commonly treated with canaliculoplasty, with or without dacryocystorhinostomy, or with conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube placement. We describe two patients with epiphora due to isolated monocanalicular obstruction without concurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy; both cases had previously failed canaliculoplasty, and both reported significant improvement in epiphora postoperatively. We hypothesize this is due to decreased resistance through the lacrimal drainage system allowing for increased flow through the patent canaliculus and shortened lacrimal apparatus. In patients presenting with epiphora secondary to isolated monocanalicular obstruction, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy may be considered in the absence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction before proceeding to conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy and Jones tube placement.

Idiopathic Acquired Lacrimal Canalicular Obstruction

PURPOSE

Acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction has a variety of causes. In a small proportion of patients, no cause can be identified. This article describes a cohort of 27 patients with idiopathic acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction encountered over a 28-year period.

METHODS

The diagnostic database of the senior author was analyzed to identify all cases of idiopathic acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction seen from 1990 to 2017. Demographic, clinical, and treatment details were analyzed. Patients with primary lacrimal punctal stenosis or closure were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

The authors encountered 27 patients with idiopathic acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction (17 female, 63%) aged 34 to 91 years (median: 65 years). The level of canalicular obstruction ranged from 1 to 10 mm from the punctum. Canalicular obstruction involved 1 canaliculus in 4 patients, 2 in 14 (ipsilateral in all except one), 3 in 3, and all 4 in 6. One patient who presented with ipsilateral upper and lower canalicular obstructions developed contralateral upper and lower obstructions several years later, and another patient redeveloped obstructions after initial successful surgical repair. In all cases, there were no features on history or examination to suggest a cause for the canalicular obstruction. Follow up ranged from 1 to 260 months (mean: 39 months). Sixteen patients underwent surgical repair, 11 with a dacryocystorhinostomy and placement of a Lester Jones glass bypass tube, 2 had a canaliculo-dacryocystorhinostomy (anastomosis of the canaliculus to the nose), 2 had dacryocystorhinostomy and trephination of the canalicular obstruction with silicone intubation, and 1 had a dacryocystorhinostomy alone to try and improve drainage through a single patent canaliculus.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction is uncommon and occurs more frequently in older women. The condition may be slowly progressive and can affect one or more canaliculi at any level. Treatment is the same as for any other cause of acquired lacrimal canalicular obstruction.

Treatment of upper and lower lacrimal punctal occlusion using retrograde canaliculotomy and punctoplasty

This is a retrospective, noncomparative analysis of a case series to explore the safety and effectiveness of retrograde canaliculotomy and punctoplasty for treating epiphora due to upper and lower lacrimal punctal occlusion. During the procedure, the horizontal portion of the normal lower canaliculus was identified; the corresponding punctum was reconstructed via retrograde canaliculotomy and punctoplasty. Intubation was performed to prevent postoperative reocclusion. Patients were followed up for 12 to 24mo. A total of 16 patients with unilateral upper and lower lacrimal punctal occlusion were included. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved: all 16 patients exhibited improvement of epiphora; 31 rebuilt punctal openings and canaliculi achieved recanalization. Only one upper punctal opening could not be reconstructed because the corresponding canaliculus exhibited severe injury. No significant complications occurred as a result of the treatments. Retrograde canaliculotomy and punctoplasty appears to effective, safe, and minimally invasive for treatment of upper and lower punctal occlusion.

Jones lacrimal bypass tubes in children and adults

Background/aims

Although a Jones tube is considered the mainstay for epiphora in patients with total blockage of the canalicular system, it has been discouraged in children for reasons of inadequate self-care and maintenance. The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term outcome of Jones tube surgery in paediatric versus adult patients.

Methods

Retrospective, interventional case series of a single academic institution. The medical records of all children (≤16 years old) and adults (>16 years old) who underwent conjunctivorhinostomy with placement of a 130° angled extended Jones tube were reviewed. The outcome measures were patency and anatomical position of the tube, type and frequency of complications and subjective relief of epiphora.

Results

The study included 10 children (11 eyes) (range, 5.1–16.0 years old) and 102 adults (127 eyes) (range, 19.7–82.4 years old). The success and complication rate did not differ between the two age groups. Tube dislodgement and obstruction occurred in 4 (36.4%) of the paediatric tubes with an incidence rate of 6.1%/year and in 47 (37.0%) of the adult tubes with an incidence rate of 9.3%/year (p=0.3867). Two adults required routine self-irrigation of the tube. The median follow-up was 6.7 years for the children and 8.7 years for the adults (p=0.3430).

Conclusion

With a similar outcome profile and minimal self-care, young age is not a prognostic nor limiting factor for surgery with angled Jones tubes. Exchange with tubes of a longer length is not required during growth.

Canaliculorhinostomy-Indications and Surgical Results

PURPOSE

To report the surgical results of canaliculorhinostomy for patients with distal canalicular obstruction and lacking a structurally functional lacrimal sac who would otherwise require a conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with Jones tube placement.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

Setting: Single tertiary institution.

PERIOD

November 1994 to June 2011.

PATIENT POPULATION

Sixteen patients with canalicular obstruction at or beyond 8 mm from the punctum, with an absent or unidentifiable lacrimal sac.

INTERVENTION

Patients underwent canaliculorhinostomy, whereby direct anastomosis of the canaliculi or common canaliculus to the nasal mucosa was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomic and functional success.

RESULTS

Our study comprised 16 patients with a mean age of 44.9 ± 21.9 years. Ten (62.5%) were female and 6 (37.5%) male. Mean duration of follow-up was 7.8 years. Causes of an absent or unidentifiable lacrimal sac included previous trauma (n = 8, 50.0%), previous dacryocystorhinostomy (n = 4, 25.0%), chronic dacryocystitis (n = 3, 18.8%), and previous dacryocystectomy (n = 1, 6.2%). Anastomoses between the upper and lower canaliculi and the nasal mucosa was performed in 6 patients, while that between the common canaliculus and nasal mucosa was performed in 10. Anatomic and functional success rates were 87.5% (n = 14) and 81.3% (n = 13), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Canaliculorhinostomy has reasonable success rates and provides an effective surgical alternative for a group of patients in whom CDCR with Jones tube placement would otherwise have been indicated.

A new method for locating the proximal lacerated bicanalicular ends in Chinese preschoolers and long-term outcomes after surgical repair

This report is to explore the long-term outcomes of surgical repair of bicanalicular lacerations in Chinese preschool patients. In this report, 12 patients with bicanalicular lacerations were studied between September 2010 and September 2015. The distance from the punctum to the distal canalicular lacerated end was recorded before surgery to classify different types of trauma. All patients underwent surgical repair of the lacerated canaliculi by 1 surgeon within 48 hours after the trauma occurred. After treatment, the lesions were divided into 3 types according to the distance from the punctum to the distal lacerated canalicular end as follows: lateral, medial, and the central. Based on this classification, each lacerated canaliculus was successfully repaired. Nearly half of the lesions (46%) were lateral, 42% were central, and 12% were medial. The average time for locating the proximal lacerated end of the canaliculus was 3.33 ± 1.52 minutes (range, 1.0-7.0 minutes). The follow-up time ranged from 6.0 months to 4.5 year (median, 25 months). Our study showed that 96% (23) of the canaliculi were completely patent. One lateral lesion presented with residual outdoor epiphora in cold weather secondary to left lower canalicular stenosis. All 12 patients had excellent cosmetic results. Our study displayed a surgical management based on the 3 types of lesions helped to find the proximal lacerated end of the canaliculus, and provided excellent long-term outcomes of drainage function.

The Pre-Sac Reflux Test (PSRT): a new diagnostic test for presaccal stenosis/obstruction

PURPOSE

To introduce a new procedure, the Pre-Sac Reflux Test (PSRT), to screen for epiphora caused by presaccal stenosis/obstruction, and to determine the reliability of this new test in the diagnosis of presaccal stenosis/obstruction.

METHODS

A nonrandomized, prospective, comparative case series of 280 eyes of 140 patients with unilateral presaccal stenosis/obstruction was performed. The PSRT was performed by a masked examiner on both eyes of each patient. After fluorescein staining, the lower lid was everted and lower punctum was observed using a cobalt-blue filter under slit-lamp magnification. After blotting excess fluorescein on the punbtum, the area of lacrimal ampulla was massaged with mild pressure with an index finger. The reflux (billowing of the fluorescein-stained tear) from each lower punctum were compared, and the bilateral symmetry was measured. In the same way, reflux from each upper punctum were compared for bilateral symmetry. The PSRT was considered positive if reflux from punctum was absent, or reduced asymmetrically, compared with that from contralateral punctum. If the test of either upper or lower punctum showed positive, the eye was considered positive. The validity of PSRT was measured by sensitivity and specificity, as well as positive- and negative-predictive values.

RESULTS

The PSRT used to diagnose presaccal stenosis/obstruction has a sensitivity of 92.9 % and a specificity of 97.1 %. It has a positive-predictive value of 97.0 % and a negative-predictive value of 93.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The PSRT is a reliable screening test for diagnosis of presaccal stenosis/obstruction.

Management of bi-canalicular block: A novel technique

Medial canthal dystopia with canalicular obstruction is a common presentation following injury to the medial canthal region. Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Lester's Jones tube is considered as the standard treatment in such cases. Alternatively, these patients can be managed by retrograde intubation dacryocystorhinostomy with medial canthoplasty. We herein describe the modification of retrograde bicanalicular intubation, combined with medial canthoplasty (monopedicle flap) which gives good cosmetic results.

Surgical results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and lacrimal trephination in distal or common canalicular obstruction

Objectives

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy followed by canalicular trephination and silicone stenting in patients with distal or common canalicular obstructions.

Methods

The medical records of 29 patients (31 eyes) from January 2001 to December 2009 who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy followed by canalicular trephination and silicone tube insertion for the treatment of distal or common canalicular obstructions were retrospectively reviewed. The level of obstruction was confirmed by intraoperative probing. The outcome of the surgery was categorized as a complete success, partial success, or failure according to the functional and anatomic patency.

Results

The average age of the patients was 52 years. The duration of silicone intubation ranged from 4 to 11 months with an average of 5.7±1.6 months. The follow-up period after stent removal ranged from 4 to 15 months with an average of 8.2±3.3 months. Complete success was achieved in 25 out of 31 eyes (80.6%), partial success in 4 out of 31 eyes (12.9%), and failure in 2 out of 31 eyes (6.5%).

Conclusion

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy followed by canalicular trephination and silicone stent intubation may be safe and considered as an initial treatment of patients with distal or common canalicular obstructions.

Lacrimal drainage obstruction and dacryocystorhinostomy in children

PURPOSE

To determine the outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children.

METHODS

A review of medical records of 104 cases (82 patients) of paediatric DCR who underwent DCR at the Sydney Eye Hospital from 1995 to 2004. The main outcome measures included post-operative symptomatic relief of presenting symptoms, complications, subjective visibility of any scar, and general satisfaction. Statistical methods included chi(2) tests, and Student's t-tests for the comparison of variables among groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-four external, 10 endoscopic primary procedures, and five revision procedures were included. Fifty-six of the cases were primary NLDO, and 48 were secondary NLDO. The mean follow-up was 1.44 years. Average age at surgery was 6.6+/-4.2 years (mean+/-SD). Ninety-one eyes needed DCR for the involvement of the lower lacrimal outflow system, and 13 eyes were NLDO associated with congenital punctual/canalicular dysgenesis.Most of the complications of external DCR were related to Jones tube placement. Five cases (4.8%) needed DCR revision. There was a significantly higher incidence of revision surgery in the non-stented group (P<0.01), and the Jones tube group (P<0.001) as compared with the silicone intubation stent group.

CONCLUSIONS

External DCRs have acceptable long-term clinical and cosmetic results, and low post-operative complication rate. Cases with punctal stenosis or those requiring Jones tube insertion are associated with a higher complication rate. Silicone intubation is associated with a lower need for operative revision.

Trephination and Silicone Stent Intubation for the Treatment of Canalicular Obstruction: Effect of the Level of Obstruction

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of canalicular trephination and silicone stent intubation procedure for relief of epiphora according to the level of obstruction within the canaliculus.

METHODS

The medical records of 32 patients (41 eyes) who underwent canalicular trephination followed by silicone stent intubation of the nasolacrimal system for the treatment of canalicular obstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Canalicular obstruction was diagnosed on preoperative irrigation and probing. Level of obstruction was confirmed by intraoperative probing. Proximal obstruction was classified as those within 4 mm of the punctum, distal obstruction as those 5 mm or greater from the punctum, and common canalicular obstruction as those 10 mm or greater from the punctum. Silicone stents were kept in for a minimum of 5 months, and outcome was based on symptomatic relief of epiphora at the end of follow-up (minimum of 6 months). Partial relief of epiphora was defined as improved symptoms and at least a fair clearance on fluorescein dye disappearance testing.

RESULTS

On average, 49% of eyes had complete relief of epiphora, 38% had partial relief, and 13% had no relief. Eighty percent of eyes with distal lower canalicular obstructions had complete relief of epiphora and 20% had partial relief of epiphora. Eyes with distal bicanalicular obstructions had 66% complete and 33% partial relief. Patients with common canalicular obstructions had 59% complete, 29% partial, and 12% no relief. Proximal bicanalicular obstructions were the least successful, with 55% partial relief and 45% no relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Success of canalicular trephination and silicone stent intubation for treatment of canalicular obstruction is based on the site of obstruction. Distal monocanalicular obstructions have the highest degree of symptomatic epiphora relief, followed by distal bicanalicular, common, and proximal obstructions.

Long-term outcome after Reny canaliculoplasty for extended canalicular stenosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term functional outcome in patients undergoing a canaliculoplasty that turns the lacrimal sac inside out for extended canalicular stenosis, and to determine the place of this technique in comparison with other surgical techniques proposed for this difficult condition.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted over a ten-year period (1990-2000). Thirty-eight patients (21 men and 17 women) were included. Mean age was 48.8 years, range 11-81 years. We evaluated the long-term outcome in 25 patients. Among these patients, canalicular stenosis had developed after infection in 16 and after trauma in 9.

RESULTS

The rate of success was 52% at nine years. Success appeared to be more frequent in trauma victims (75%) than after infection (43%). The rate of success was better for patients with monocanalicular (60%) than for those with bicanalicular stenosis (40%). Digital dacryography demonstrated good flow of the contrast product through the neocanaliculus into the nasal fossa in eight of ten patients explored.

CONCLUSION

We were able to achieve complete cure in many patients with an overall success rate of 50%. Digital dacryography with dye flow provides good opacification of the neocanaliculus, demonstrating its nearly physiological morphology. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of this method and has encouraged us to continue proposing this canaliculoplasty technique for selected patients.

Lacrimal outflow dysgenesis

PURPOSE

To evaluate patients with lacrimal dysgenesis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty patients with lacrimal dysgenesis managed between 1992 and 2003. TESTING/INTERVENTION: The diagnosis of lacrimal outflow dysgenesis was made based on the following criteria: absent or hypoplastic punctum, canaliculus, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct, appearing in isolation or combination. Our management algorithm included observation, punctoplasty with intubation, or open lacrimal surgery, with or without intubation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Success, partial success, or failure of treatment.

RESULTS

Lacrimal dysgenesis in our 50 patients (23 male and 27 female) involved 83 eyes, distributed as follows: proximal in 74 eyes (89%), distal in 27 (33%), and both in 18 (22%). Thirty (60%) patients presented with isolated lacrimal dysgenesis, and 20 (40%) presented with a systemic syndrome or dysmorphism. Thirty-three (66%) patients had bilateral involvement. Epiphora was the most common presenting symptom. Eighteen (36%) patients had a positive family history. Open lacrimal surgery was performed in a total of 29 (35%) of the 83 eyes: 25 had success, 3 had partial success, and 1 had failure.

CONCLUSION

Both sporadic and hereditary forms of lacrimal outflow dysgenesis may present as an isolated finding or a part of a systemic syndrome or dysmorphism, occurring usually with bilateral involvement and presenting at a younger age in the setting of systemic anomalies. Proximal and distal lacrimal outflow systems may be involved with epiphora as the most common presenting symptom. The algorithm we have presented provides a systematic approach to the management of lacrimal outflow dysgenesis.

Blind canalicular marsupialization in complete punctal absence as part of a systematic approach for classification and treatment of lacrimal system obstructions

The procedure of choice for epiphora caused by bipunctal and canalicular obstruction is conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. Despite its high success rate, it may result in multiple complications, such as extrusion, migration, and secondary obstruction. The author describes a simple alternative procedure to conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy for patients with epiphora caused by bipunctal and proximal canaliculus complete occlusion and a systematic approach to treat lacrimal system obstructions. Ten instances of bipunctal and proximal canaliculus absence in five consecutive patients, caused in four patients by ocular surface disorders (topical drug toxicity, herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, and trachoma), were treated by blunt dissection of the presumed lower punctal site under a surgical microscope. The punctal site was determined by several landmarks, the peaked medial lid margin, a dimple at that site, or an area of relative avascularity. The canaliculus was exposed and expanded to create a pocket. After the procedure, the lacrimal drainage system was found patent in nine of the 10 procedures. After one additional procedure, irrigation of the lacrimal drainage system revealed a nasolacrimal duct obstruction that was treated with dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone tube insertion. After these procedures, an objective resolution of the epiphora was noted in all patients. Epiphora resulting from lack of punctal and proximal canaliculus caused by ocular surface diseases may be treated with blind exposure and marsupialization of the proximal canaliculus instead of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. If, in addition, the nasolacrimal duct is obstructed, a dacryocystorhinostomy may be performed. If this proposed procedure fails, the patient can still undergo conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy or other procedures. The procedure may be part of a systematic approach to treat lacrimal drainage obstructions that is based on an association between the location and the cause of the obstruction.

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

PURPOSE

To 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).

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-nine consecutive adult patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

Patients underwent primary endonasal surgical or laser (Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet [YAG]) DCR with temporary silicone intubation. MAIN OBJECTIVE MEASURES: Data 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.

RESULTS

Thirty-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%).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic 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.

Use of canaliculorhinostomy for repair of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a horse

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal outflow pathway in horses is not uncommon. Causes of obstruction include foreign bodies, trauma, and congenital abnormalities. Placement of a nasolacrimal retention stylette may prove challenging.

Postherpetic lacrimal obstruction

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to review the surgical management of postherpetic lacrimal obstruction.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixty patients (111 female, 49 male) with a mean age at presentation of 31 years. All had a history typical of primary herpes simplex blepharoconjunctivitis.

INTERVENTION

Open lacrimal surgery was performed on 158 patients (171 eyes), of whom 99 patients (108 eyes) had undergone no surgery before being seen at Moorfields. The most common primary procedure was dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with anterograde or retrograde intubation (94 eyes, 54%), and primary placement of a Lester Jones tube (conjunctivo-DCR) was performed in 56 eyes (32%). A secondary procedure was required in 43 eyes (26%), the most common being closed placement of a Lester Jones tube (40 eyes).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Persistent symptoms of impaired lacrimal drainage and need for additional surgery.

RESULTS

Reduction of epiphora was good or complete in 171/173 eyes (98%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that there is a justification for procedures that use any remaining unaffected portion of canaliculi, such as DCR, with anterograde or retrograde intubation, as well as the more commonly used Lester Jones tube.