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.

A critical update on endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Objectives

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endo-DCR) is becoming a workhorse in the management of distal lacrimal duct obstruction. It yields success rates comparable to external DCR, with the advantage of no external scars. However, it requires multidisciplinary expertise and many uncertainties in terms of proper indications, technique, and perioperative management still exist.

Methods

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

Results

A total of 66 articles were included. Many technical modifications and surgical refinements have been proposed, but a formal comparison of the various techniques is hampered by methodological heterogeneity. The use of local anaesthesia and perioperative adjunctive techniques to reduce the risk of restenosis are also gaining popularity even if the level of evidence remains weak.

Conclusions

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

Anatomical requirements for dacryocystorhinostomy ostium patency

PURPOSE

To identify anatomical factors affecting the outcome of dcryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

METHODS

The study included the results of dacryocystography in 73 patients after DCR: 37 cases of failed DCR and 36 cases of successful DCR. Biometric characteristics of the formed ostium were evaluated: the horizontal size of the bony "window" and the soft tissue part of the ostium, the vertical size of the bony "window" and soft tissue ostium, the height of the fragment of the remaining bone above and below the line of the common canaliculus, and the height of the "pocket" formed below the lower edge of the ostium. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Differences were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Intergroup differences were identified in the values of the maximum horizontal size of the bony "window" (p = 0.015), the maximum horizontal size of the soft tissue "window" (p < 0.001), the maximum vertical size of the soft tissue "window" (p < 0.001), and the height of the fragment of the remaining bone below the level of the common canaliculus to the edge of the formed ostium (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The stage of forming the bony "window" influences the success of DCR. Not only the position of the "window" is important, but also the geometric properties of the formed ostium.

Nasolacrimal duct rhinostomy for low-level nasolacrimal duct obstruction:long-term outcomes and surgical selection paradigm

PROPOSE

This study aims to present long-term outcomes in a specific patient population experiencing epiphora due to low-level nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) following endonasal endoscopic nasolacrimal duct rhinostomy, and to propose a surgical selection paradigm for varying locations of NLDO.

METHODS

Between September 1, 2017 and February 28, 2023, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) who underwent endonasal endoscopic nasolacrimal duct rhinostomy for low-level NLDO (defined as obstruction below the plane of the superior border of the inferior turbinate attachment). The study assessed surgical success through objective measures of anatomical patency and subjective measures of functional patency during a postoperative follow-up period of at least six months. Additionally, any complications that arose during this follow-up period were documented.

RESULTS

The study included a cohort of 26 patients, consisting of 24 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 47.58 ± 3.09 years (range: 8-75). All patients underwent endoscopic nasolacrimal duct rhinostomy, with 10 eyes having previously undergone tear duct recanalization procedures. Anatomical patency was achieved in 88.5% (23/26) of cases, while functional patency was achieved in 80.8% (21/26) after an average follow-up period of 41.9 ± 22.1 months. No significant complications were observed in any of the patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Endonasal endoscopic nasolacrimal duct rhinostomy is effective in treating epiphora in over 80% of cases with low-level NLDO. Tailoring the surgery to the location of the obstruction can improve outcomes and minimize damage.

Application of articaine in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a retrospective study

Background

To investigate the comparative effects of local anesthesia using lidocaine with adrenaline vs. articaine with adrenaline in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR).

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 180 patients. These patients were categorized into two groups: the lidocaine group, which received 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 adrenaline), and the articaine group, which received 4% articaine (1:100,000 adrenaline) for local anesthesia. The study compared anesthesia efficacy, intraoperative pain levels, intraoperative bleeding, as well as differences in heart rate and blood pressure between the two groups.

Results

The articaine group demonstrated a significantly lower visual analog scale (VAS) pain score when compared to the lidocaine group, measuring at 4.4 ± 0.6 cm vs. 5.0 ± 1.0 cm, respectively (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the articaine group exhibited a higher anesthesia efficacy compared to the lidocaine group (89.0% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.0487). Notably, the articaine group experienced less nasal mucosal bleeding during the surgery in contrast to the lidocaine group (p = 0.004). However, there were no statistically significant differences in changes in blood pressure and heart rate between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that 4% articaine (1:100,000 adrenaline) has superior clinical effectiveness in comparison to 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 adrenaline) in EN-DCR.

Prospective, randomised clinical trial on the necessity of using a silicone intubarium in the context of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) in patients with postsaccal lacrimal duct stenosis

BACKGROUND

This prospective clinical study evaluates the effect of a silicone stent tube (SST) on the success rate of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive EN-DCR with or without SST intubation over a period of 3 months. The surgery was performed using standardized techniques. Patients were assessed at three different timepoints: one day, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after the surgery. The results were compared in order to evaluate statistical differences. Surgical success was determined by means of positive irrigation procedures, as well as by the improvement of symptoms and a high level of patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 56 randomized cases completed 24 weeks of follow up. 1 Patient dropped out due to malignant genesis of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction. After 24 weeks of follow up no statistically significant differences in levels of epiphora (p > .10) or patency (p > .16) were revealed. Comparisons regarding changes in time did not show levels of significance (p > .28).

CONCLUSIONS

This study could not confirm a statistically significant benefit or disadvantage for SST Insertion in EN-DCR.

Two cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction operated by endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy after orbital fracture reconstruction with an implant

Purpose

To report two cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) caused by orbital fracture reconstruction with an implant successfully treated with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR).

Observations

Two patients presented with NLDO after orbital fracture reconstruction with an implant. Case 1 was a 67-year-old female. She became aware of epiphora in her left eye after undergoing orbital fracture reconstruction with an implant for a left orbital floor fracture 14 years previously. Dacryocystitis was diagnosed based on a lacrimal syringing test because of pus reflux. Computed tomography (CT) showed that the implant was inserted on the left orbital floor, crossing into the lacrimal sac; dacryoendoscopy showed that the implant blocked the nasolacrimal duct. EnDCR was performed without implant removal. The symptoms resolved postoperatively. Case 2 involved a 6-year-old male who had been aware of epiphora in his left eye since undergoing orbital fracture reconstruction with an implant for a left orbital floor fracture one month prior. Dacryocystitis was diagnosed based on a lacrimal syringing test because of pus reflux. CT showed an unclear implant location, but dacryoendoscopy showed that the implant blocked the nasolacrimal duct. The implant was removed. However, EnDCR was performed because there was no improvement in NLDO. The symptoms resolved after EnDCR.

Conclusions and importance

One previous report of NLDO after orbital floor fracture reconstruction was performed with external dacryocystorhinostomy with implant removal. Dacryoendoscopy and CT are useful for confirming the location of the implant and obstruction. Depending on the implant's location, it may be possible to perform EnDCR without removing the implant.

Use of a Fiberoptic-Laser Approach During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Cadaver Feasibility Study

Aims

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical applicability of laser energy during an oro-nasal endoscopic approach (ONEA) in the management of the anterior maxillary sinus wall.

Methods

An experiment on three adult human cadavers was performed to study the nasal cavities with angled rigid scopes and using the ONEA technique. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of laser energy on the bone, the drilling effect was compared to laser energy (1470 nm diode laser, continuous wave, power 8, 9 and 10 W).

Results

Compared to a rigid angled scope, the ONEA technique allowed complete visualization of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Microscopic analysis of frontal bone revealed similar bone Exeresis with high-speed drilling (270.28 μm) and laser approaches (285.73-456.6 μm).

Conclusions

The laser ONEA technique is an innovative, mini-invasive, and safe approach to the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Additional study is warranted to further develop this technique.

Orbital Complications of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Two Years' Experience in a Tertiary Referral Hospital

PURPOSE

To investigate the different clinical manifestations in Egyptian patients with orbital complications of rhinosinusitis (RS) according to the pathology within the paranasal sinuses.

METHODS

The medical records of patients presented with chronic RS between August 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

This study included 64 patients: 28 patients with subperiosteal abscess (SPA), 10 with allergic fungal RS, 6 with isolated fungal RS, 6 with invasive fungal RS, and 14 with mucocele. The most common manifestation was proptosis, limitation of ocular motility, periorbital swelling, and pain. A relative afferent pupillary defect was present in all cases of invasive fungal sinusitis. Surgical interventions were performed in 63 out of 64 cases. All the ophthalmological manifestations were reversible except for patients with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

CONCLUSION

Orbital complications of RS may require early surgical intervention with multidisciplinary counseling between ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists, radiologists, and neurologists.

Efficacy and Safety of Modified Seamless Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Chronic Dacryocystitis

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified seamless endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) with chronic dacryocystitis.

Methods

This study included 54 patients (54 eyes) with chronic dacryocystitis treated in our hospital from 2019 to 2021, including 32 patients (32 eyes) who underwent modified and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent routine EN-DCR. In the modified EN-DCR, the nasal cavity was filled 30 min before the operation by injection of 1 mg/ml adrenaline hydrochloride and application of ephedrine hydrochloride and nitrofurazone nasal drops. Before the operation, the lacrimal passages were rinsed with a 1 : 2 mixture of dilute methylene blue and normal saline. The “I”-shaped incision was replaced by a ^“C^“-shaped incision near the lateral bone window. In place of suturing, a gelatin sponge was applied at the confluence of the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa. After the end of the operation, the lacrimal sac was filled with tapered expansion sponge for 1 week. In routine EN-DCR, the nasal cavity was filled with 1 mg/ml epinephrine hydrochloride, and nitrofurazone nasal drops were provided for 5 minutes after the beginning of the operation; and a “I”-shaped incision was made in the nasal mucosa, with one stitch for each anterior and posterior flap. Operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative lacrimal duct irrigation were compared, with the curative effect evaluated after a follow-up of 6 months.

Results

Operation time was significantly shorter (41.3 ± 12.1 min vs. 65.4 ± 11.6 min; χ² = 7.312, P < 0.05) and intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower (12.5 ± 5.2 ml vs. 60.3 ± 8.9 ml; χ² = 24.883, P < 0.05) in the modified group than in the routine EN-DCR group. After follow-up for 6 months, the effective cure rate was significantly higher in the modified group than in the routine group (96.9% vs. 68.2%; χ² = 6.383, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with routine EN-DCR, modified seamless EN-DCR can achieve better surgical outcomes, shorten operation time, and reduce intraoperative bleeding.

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

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

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

PURPOSE

External dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) is a surgical approach commonly used to treat post-canalicular acquired lacrimal obstruction whose success rate has been described, equally with endoscopic DCR, to be superior to other available treatments.

METHODS

At San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (Italy), from January 2008 to December 2020, 245 EXT-DCRs were performed. All patients underwent routine pre-operative work-up including Jones tests and probing and irrigation of the lacrimal pathway; when necessary, a multidisciplinary approach with nasal endoscopy was performed. The surgical approach was followed by positioning of a bicanalicular stent which was left in place for 6 months. Success was defined as resolution of clinical signs/symptoms and free lacrimal flow on functional test.

RESULTS

Of the cases enrolled, 26.9% were treated for recurrent epiphora (group 1), and 73.1% for epiphora associated with chronic dacryocystitis (group 2). After a median follow-up of 71 months, group 1 had success at T0 (1 month) and T1 (long-term) of 81.8% and 60.6%, respectively, compared to 93.8% and 77.7% in group 2. Statistical analysis showed a significant association with surgery both at T0 (p = 0.018) and T1 (p = 0.012) with group 2 showing better outcomes. Additionally, the cosmetic outcome of the external scar was defined as invisible in 91.8% of cases and slightly visible in 8.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

External dacryocystorhinostomy provides long-term reliable results particularly in case of chronic dacryocystitis. Moreover, the optimal esthetic outcome of the external scar should be no longer considered the only guiding principle of treatment modality, particularly in the elderly.

Role of anaesthesia in endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy: A meta-analysis of 3282 cases

Distal acquired lacrimal obstruction is a common adulthood pathology whose primary treatment is represented by EXT-DCR and END-DCR. When considering their influencing factors, the role of the type of anaesthesia applied during these surgeries has a major role. The aim of this study is to systematically analyse the influence of general and local/regional anaesthesia on the final success rates of EXT-DCR and END-DCR. Primary EXT-DCR and END-DCR articles published later than 2000 with at least 50 single clinician procedures were selected. Exclusion criteria included acute dacryocystitis, tumours, studies focussing on revision surgeries, surgeries with adjunctive procedures, not clearly demarcated surgeons, mixed cohort study of acquired and congenital disorders. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with MOOSE guidelines; where feasible, a meta-analysis of the collected results was conducted. As a result, 11,445 articles were selected of which 2741 were examined after screening, and 16 included after full text review (0.6% of the initial papers). Among all papers included, the number of EXT-DCR was not enough to provide a solid analysis of the effect of anaesthesia; conversely, a significant difference of success rate was noted between local anaesthesia + sedation (85.1%, IC 77.8%-90.4%), and general anaesthesia (90.8%, IC 88.8%-92.4%) in END-DCR (p = 0.048). In conclusion, END-DCR performed with general anaesthesia should be considered as the solution of choice; however, local anaesthesia, eventually associated with a sedation, can be used as an alternative in selected cases. No meaningful conclusions could be drawn for EXT-DCR, due to the lack of data.

Long-term results of a balloon-assisted endoscopic approach in failed dacryocystorhinostomies

Purpose

Endoscopic endonasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical approach that can be applied after failure of dacryocystorhinostomy with recurrence of distal acquired lacrimal obstruction.

Methods

At the Department of Otolaryngology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (Italy), from December 2016 to October 2020, 14 patients underwent trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty after a failed dacryocystorhinostomy (both external and endoscopic endonasal). The routinary pre-operative work-up included multidisciplinary study of the lacrimal disease, which consisted in primary ophthalmological and otorhinolaryngological visits associated with nasal endoscopy, in which a radiological exam was added if needed. The surgical approach includes pneumatic enlargement of the stenotic rhinostomy, created during the primary dacryocystorhinostomy, using a high-pressure trans-nasal balloon catheter. Anatomical success was considered when the ostium was patent upon irrigation, while functional success was considered as resolution of epiphora or free lacrimal flow on functional test.

Results

Among 14 patients included and after a mean follow-up of 19.5 months (range 13–51 months), anatomic success was achieved in 100% of patients and functional success was achieved in the 85.7% (12/14). Operative time ranged from 9 to 28 min (mean 18 min) and no complications were reported.

Conclusion

Trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty is a mini-invasive surgical approach to treat failed dacryocystorhinostomies with reliable and stable outcomes in the long term. The absence of post-surgical complications, high success rate and short operative time are the main features of this innovative procedure.