Primary Lacrimal Sac Tumors with Extension into Vicinity: Outcomes with Endoscopy-Assisted Modified Weber-Ferguson's Approach

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopy-assisted modified Weber-Ferguson's approach in the management of primary lacrimal sac tumors with extension into the neighboring tissues.

METHODS

A retrospective interventional study was performed on all patients with lacrimal sac tumors treated with the endoscopy-assisted modified Weber-Ferguson approach between January 2010 and June 2022 at the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, China. Data assessed include demographics, clinical presentations, imaging features, surgical techniques, histopathology, adjuvant modalities of management, complications, and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients were included in the analysis. Epiphora and palpable mass lesion were the presenting complaint in 84.6% (11/13) of the patients. Nearly half of the patients (46.1%, 6/13) were misdiagnosed as lacrimal duct obstruction. All the lacrimal sac tumors in the present series showed uneven enhancement on T1-weighted MRI imaging. Postoperatively, 84.6% (11/13) patients recovered well with excellent esthetics and were disease-free after a mean follow-up of 58.6 months. Two patients who underwent additional exenteration developed recurrence and succumbed (at 41 and 96 months follow up) while they were on palliative chemoradiation.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic-assisted modified Weber-Fergusson surgical approach is effective in providing better visibility and accessibility to lacrimal sac tumors with extension into neighboring tissue.

Canalicular laceration repair using a novel bicanalicular silicone stent versus traditional bicanalicular stent with nasal fixation

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical effects of two types of lacrimal stents in the repair of canalicular lacerations.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with canalicular lacerations between January 2017 and December 2022. The canalicular reconstruction was performed using either the Runshi-RS bicanalicular silicone stent or the traditional bicanalicular silicone stent with nasal fixation, under a surgical microscope. The stent was placed for 3 months, and patients were followed up for more than 3 months after extubation. The anatomical and functional success rates were compared between the two groups. Anatomical success was assessed through diagnostic probing and irrigation of lacrimal passage, while functional success was determined by the patient's subjective symptoms of epiphora.

RESULTS

The study included 315 patients (315 eyes) undergoing canalicular laceration repair. The Runshi-RS stent was utilized in 147 patients (46.7%), while the traditional stent with nasal fixation was employed in 168 patients (53.3%). The anatomical success rates (99.3% vs 98.8%, P = 0.642) and functional success rates (87.2% vs 88.1%, P = 0.926) were similar between the RS group and the traditional stent group. Postoperative complications were fewer (4.1% vs 10.1%, P = 0.04) and the operation time was shorter (67.1 ± 35.3 min vs 86.1 ± 43.4 min, P < 0.001) in the RS group.

CONCLUSION

The Runshi-RS tube demonstrates favorable surgical outcomes for the repair of canalicular lacerations. Compared to the traditional stent with nasal fixation, the RS stent allows for shorter operation times and fewer postoperative complications in the repair of canalicular lacerations.

A Pilot Study of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Dacryocystography Imaging to Assess Functional Epiphora

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate dynamic magnetic resonance dacryocystography (MRDCG) in eyes with functional epiphora.

METHODS

We included prospective eyes with epiphora if no alternative cause was found on clinical examination, were patent on syringing, had no obstruction or stenosis on DCG, and had an abnormal DSG. MRDCG was performed to qualitatively assess for block or patency and quantitatively measure tear transit time. We compared measurements to asymptomatic fellow eyes and to historical reference values from asymptomatic eyes.

RESULTS

We included 26 symptomatic eyes of 19 patients (median age 63 years). There was a block on MRDCG in 18 (69%) eyes and patency in 8 (31%) eyes. The block occurred at the sac-nasolacrimal duct (NLD) junction in 9 (50%), proximal NLD in 5 (28%), mid-NLD in 1 (5.6%), and distal NLD in 1 (5.6%) eye(s). No contrast was observed in the lacrimal system in two eyes. For eyes patent on MRDCG, median times to the sac, NLD, inferior meatus, first 25%, and first 50% of the fundus-to-nose distance (FND) were 22, 54, 118, 34, and 84 s, respectively. Times to the sac, NLD, and to fill the first 25% and 50% of the FND were significantly longer than historical values from asymptomatic lacrimal systems (p = 0.017, 0.050, 0.035, 0.017, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MRDCG shows a high rate of block in functional epiphora. However, DSG and MRDCG results may not always correlate. The improved temporal resolution of this emerging modality may be advantageous in the critical first 2 min of tear transit.

Canalicular obstruction associated with dupilumab

PURPOSE

Dupilumab is a novel treatment for severe atopic dermatitis and is associated with a range of ocular complications such as blepharoconjunctivitis, keratitis, cicatricial ectropion and punctal stenosis.

METHODS

We report 4 patients with canalicular obstruction in association with dupilumab therapy, and we describe their treatment and outcomes in each case.

RESULTS

Canalicular obstruction was diagnosed by an oculoplastic consultant between 3 years and 3 months and 4 years and 9 months after the commencement of dupilumab therapy. Case 1 underwent nasolacrimal intubation, case 2 was treated conservatively, and case 4 underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and these patients' symptoms resolved. Unfortunately, in case 3 despite endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with stenting they remained symptomatic.

CONCLUSION

This case series adds to the growing number of ocular complications associated with dupilumab therapy, and there is yet an optimal treatment strategy to mitigate these complications. It is possible that simple conservative measures such as discontinuation of dupilumab and topical treatments with steroids can eventually lead to some form of recovery and recanalisation of the canalicular system. Early referral to an ophthalmologist prior to the development of canalicular obstruction to control the inflammatory ocular surface could reduce the risks of cicatricial sequelae from dupilumab, and temporary stenting of the canalicular system could be attempted as a method to keep the canalicular system patent, whilst the patient remained on treatment.

Surgical Outcome of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with and Without Prolene Stent in Chronic Dacryocystitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Popularity of Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is rising over a conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy. One of the most frequent reasons for procedure failure is the closing of neo-ostium. To compare the surgical results of endoscopic Dacryocystitis operations with and without Prolene stents in terms of procedure success rates and postoperative complications. A randomized controlled trial of 2 years was carried out including 100 patients of chronic dacryocystitis. The cases were randomly split into two groups with 50 cases each in Endoscopic DCR with stent and without stent groups. The results, both the subjective and objective were noted. At the end of 3 months, the overall success rate was 88% and 90% in group with and without stent respectively with no significant statistical difference. 12% subjects had wound infection, 8% had granulations around the rhinostoma, 6% had synechiae, 10% had discomfort from the tube in stent group. In Group B (without stent), 16% had wound infection, 4% had granulations around the rhinostoma. As Endoscopic DCR without stent has equally good results and less complications as compared to with stent, we recommend endoscopic DCR without stent. Use of Stent should be reserved for special conditions like revision cases, common canalicular block, fibrosed lacrimal sac.

Osteochodromyxoma presenting as case of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Purpose

We report the case of a 10-month-old with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) associated with osteochondromyxoma (OMX), a very rare bone tumor.

Observations

A 10-month-old boy presented with a 6-month history of right eye epiphora not responding to digital massage and topical steroid-antibiotics eye drops. The ophthalmic exam showed right medial canthal swelling. During the ophthalmic exam an abnormal snoring sound was noted. The mother also reported that patient experienced frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Inspection of nostrils showed a right nasal lesion that upon comprehensive evaluation by ENT and pathology teams turned out to be an OMX with loss of PRKAR1A expression. Further genetic testing confirmed the Carney complex (CNC) diagnosis and the patient was referred to multidisciplinary care. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first cases of OMX-induced NLDO, where a typical looking congenital NLDO ended up with a diagnosis of a rare genetic disease.

Conclusion and Importance

We have described a case of OMX of the nasal cavity masquerading as congenital NLDO. This case emphasizes that NLDO is not always congenital if presenting within the first few months of life. It is important to obtain a thorough history and exam to evaluate potential differential diagnoses to guide subsequent decision-making steps.

Efficacy and safety of injection Botulinum toxin in canalicular obstruction due to trauma

Background

The treatment of epiphora has undergone tremendous change in the past, and minimally invasive techniques are being preferred over traditional surgical options. One of them is the use of Inj Botulinum toxin, but there are very few studies that have explored its role in treating post-traumatic epiphora. This study was undertaken to find out the safety and efficacy of injection Botulinum toxin in treating epiphora due to canalicular obstruction following trauma.

Methods

A longitudinal interventional study was done, and a total of 50 patients were recruited. All patients were subjected to Inj Botulinum toxin in the lacrimal gland (10 units). The study was done for a period of 6 months, and patients were followed up for a period of another 6 months. Changes in Munk score, Schirmer test, and tear meniscus height were considered the main outcome measures.

Results

In our study, there were 38 males and 12 females. The age of the patients varied from 24 yrs to 67 yrs. Inj Botulinum toxin was found to be effective in 80% (n = 40/50) of cases as they reported a reduction in watering from eyes after administration of this injection. The complication associated with this treatment was minimal in our study as four patients reported diplopia, whereas two patients developed Ptosis that resolved spontaneously within two months.

Conclusion

Inj Botulinum toxin was found to be effective in epiphora caused by canalicular obstruction due to trauma. This treatment should be considered as an alternative treatment modality as it often leads to satisfactory reduction in epiphora in patients with less complications compared to surgical intervention.

[Lacrimal canalicular transposition for lower canaliculus repair: About four cases]

The main function of the eyelids is to support and protect the globe. The lower eyelid and medial canthus are often the location of malignant tumors that can be locally aggressive and require disfiguring surgeries. Chronic epiphora often appears in cases of inadequate reconstruction in this location and can require secondary procedures. We report four cases of medial canthus repair after tumor removal with loss of the inferior canaliculus. The ipsilateral superior canaliculus was removed before being transposed into the lower eyelid. This simple method allows for complete canalicular reconstruction. It obviates the need for artificial material and its potential associated complications. It has the advantage of a one-step eyelid and canalicular reconstruction and prevents epiphora after tumor resection.

Functional epiphora: an under-reported entity

PURPOSE

To determine the etiology of epiphora in a tertiary Australian lacrimal clinic and highlight the high proportion of 'functional' cases.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective review: Records of adult patients presenting to a tertiary lacrimal clinic from January 2011 to February 2021 with epiphora were reviewed. Patients underwent testing with syringing/probing and lacrimal imaging to reach a diagnosis of functional epiphora. Functional epiphora was diagnosed based on the exclusion of alternate causes of epiphora on clinical examination, patent lacrimal syringing, normal dacryocystography, and delay on dacryoscintigraphy.

RESULTS

Five hundred and seventy-six symptomatic eyes of 372 adult patients (mean 66.2 ± 15.5 years, 63.4% females) with epiphora were evaluated for causes. Post-sac obstruction (stenosis/complete obstruction) and functional epiphora (non-anatomical delay) were the most common causes of presentations to the lacrimal clinic (26% each). Functional epiphora with post-sac delay was substantially more common than functional epiphora with pre-sac delay (89% vs. 11% of functional epiphora cases). In 16% of the cases, no cause for the epiphora was found while more than one cause (multifactorial) was present 11% of the time.

CONCLUSION

Functional epiphora was found to be as common as a nasolacrimal anatomical obstruction when lacrimal imaging is utilized.

Evaluation of epiphora by topical contrast-enhanced CT and MR dacryocystography: which one to choose?

BACKGROUND

Our study aims to compare non-invasive imaging such as topical computed tomography dacryocystography (CTD) and topical magnetic resonance dacryocystography (MRD) in patients with epiphora.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the practicability of topical contrast media during helical CTD and topical saline during MRD to reveal obstruction in the nasolacrimal drainage system (NLDS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty participants with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were observed for two years. Ten participants underwent CTD and the other 10 participants underwent MRD. Images were analyzed by two radiologists. Participants were also asked about the level of discomfort of the contrast material versus the saline solution.

RESULTS

The NLDS was seen on both CTD and MRD. Very good agreement between the two observers (κ value > 0.81) was seen according to the κ statistics. CTD multiplanar and 3D images allowed for precise diagnosis of the point of obstruction whereas, the MRD did not require any contrast material and showed the point of obstruction. Saline was more comfortable for the patients than topical contrast (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical CTD and MRD are non-invasive techniques that can visualize the degree and level of obstruction in the NLDS than conventional invasive cannulation dacryocystography. CTD is useful in visualizing the point of obstruction and smaller drainage structures. However, it is a source of ionizing radiation to the lens. The benefit of MRD is that it requires no contrast or radiation; however, it is poor in depicting the bone anatomy and smaller drainage structures. Finally, saline was better tolerated by patients than topical contrast.

Endoscopic "retrograde" dacryocystorhinostomy: A fast route to the lacrimal sac

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is an established surgical technique for the management of peripheral nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. Its main points are the correct identification of the lacrimal sac and the execution of surgical procedures that allow a rapid and accurate healing of the surgical field. The main endoscopic landmarks used for the identification of the lacrimal sac are the middle turbinate and the maxillary line. However, in some cases, this procedure can be difficult due to several factors (e.g. anatomical variations, former surgery). In the present study, a variation of "classic" endoscopic DCR, named "retrograde" endoscopic endonasal DCR (rDCR), is described. rDCR is performed through the quick identification of the NLD at the level of the most anterior insertion of the inferior turbinate in the lateral nasal wall. In most cases, at this level only a very thin shell of bone is present (crack point), easily fractured by using blunt angled dissector. The duct is then followed upward along its course by removing the overlying bone in order to correctly identify the lacrimal sac and unequivocally drill along the lacrimal pathway. This technique proved to be a safe, quick and effective procedure, even in patients with difficult anatomy.

Bicanalicular-nasal silicone stent for deep canalicular laceration management

We evaluated the efficacy and clinical outcomes of bicanalicular-nasal silicone stents for deep canalicular lacerations and their anatomical restoration advantages. This retrospective case series study included patients with deep canalicular lacerations who underwent bicanalicular-nasal silicone stent intubation between January 2010 and June 2021 at a Chinese tertiary hospital and two primary hospitals. Intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Anatomical, functional, and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated as anatomical restoration assessments at the last follow-up. We defined anatomical success as a free passage with no reflux during irrigation. Functional success was evaluated using the Munk epiphora scale and fluorescein dye disappearance test. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by examining the eyelid, lacrimal punctum, and medial canthus for any structural abnormalities and recorded objectively using a grading scale. We evaluated 92 eyes of 92 patients (63 men and 29 women); the mean distance from the lateral lacerated end to the punctum was 7.74 mm (range 7-10 mm). Bicanalicular-nasal silicone stents were successfully used in all 92 eyes with no severe intra- or post-operative complications noted. The stent placement duration ranged from 12 to 16 weeks (mean, 13.18 weeks). The follow-up period after stent removal ranged from 3 to 12 months (mean, 6.04 months). The anatomical and functional restoration success rates were 96.74% (89/92) and 100% (92/92), respectively. Satisfactory eyelid position realignment was achieved in all patients. Bicanalicular-nasal silicone stent placement sufficiently relieved orbicularis muscle tension during deep canalicular laceration repair, providing good functional results and excellent cosmetic realignment and anatomical restoration of the eyelid.

Effects of prostaglandin analogues on epiphora persistence after EN-DCR: A hypothesis-generating study

Purpose: To explore the relationship between topical antiglaucoma therapy, both prostaglandin and non-prostaglandin based eyedrops, and persistence of epiphora in glaucoma patients who underwent EN-DCR surgery for PANDO. Methods: prospective observational cohort study of all over 65 years-old patients with a dacryo-CT documented diagnosis of PANDO who underwent EN-DCR, were affected by glaucoma and treated with either topical monotherapy prostaglandin eyedrops or other antiglaucoma molecules, up to 12-month postoperative follow-up. Patients were assessed with Fluorescein Dye Disappearance Test and Munk scale. Results: Fifteen right eyes from 15 PG-group patients and 15 eyes right eyes from 15 non-PG-group patients were considered. Epiphora occurred in 1/15 (7%) of PG-group patients at 3 months, in 8/15 (53%) at 6 months, and in 11/15 (73%) at one year. In comparison, only 1/15 of non-PG-group patients developed epiphora at 6 months. The relative risk of epiphora in PG-group patients versus non-PG-group patients was 3.00 (95% CI, 0.13-68.1; p = 0.99) at 3 months, 8.00 (95% CI, 1.14-56.3; p = 0.014) at 6 months, and 11.0 (95% CI, 1.62-74.9; p < 0.001) at 12 months. Conclusion: Based on our results, we speculate that prostaglandin eye drops may affect the outcome of EN-DCR in terms of increasing epiphora recurrence from early to late postoperative follow up. The toxicity of antiglaucoma eye drops might damage spiral fibers of the mucous membrane of the lacrimal system inducing fibrosis by a proinflammatory mechanism.

Overview of Epiphora Referred to Oculoplastic Surgery Clinic in Adults

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate etiological and demographic characteristics of the adult patients referred to the oculoplastic surgery clinic of the tertiary care center with the complaint of epiphora.

Methods

The medical records of the patients who applied to the oculoplastic surgery clinic with a complaint of epiphora between January 2014 and July 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Etiology of epiphora, age, gender, duration of symptom, and follow-up period were evaluated. According to the etiological factors, nasolacrimal system disorders such as punctal stenosis, canalicular stenosis, canaliculitis, and acquired nasolacrimal system obstruction, respectively; the causes of epiphora were grouped as eyelid abnormalities such as entropion and ectropion, and hypersecretory tear secretion due to causes such as dry eye, allergy, and inflammation. The patients with epiphora over the age of 18 with at least 6 months of follow-up were included in the study. Patients with congenital or tumor-related nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) and epiphora due to trauma-related eyelid or canaliculi injury were not included.

Results

A total of 595 medical fields were evaluated. Epiphora was present in 747 eyes of 595 patients. Of the patients, 221 (37%) were male and 376 (63%) were female. According to etiological evaluation of frequency, 372 (62.5%, 432 eyes) patients with NLDO, 63 (10.5%, 123 eyes) patients with punctal stenosis, 44 (7.3%) patients with ectropion, 38 (6.3%) patients with entropion, 37 (6.2%, 69 eyes) patients hypersecretory causes (dry eye, allergy, inflammation, etc.), 24 (4%) patients had primary canaliculitis, and 17 (2.8%) patients had epiphora due to canalicular occlusion.

Conclusion

Epiphora is an important complaint that may occur due to different etiologies. A detailed examination of the anterior segment, lacrimal system and eyelids, and taking a history are the most important steps in the management of the patient.

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

BACKGROUND

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.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

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 10 s, 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 15 mins after taking Mestinon (1 × 60 mg 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.

RESULTS

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 ± 4 mm), and patent lacrimal irrigation test. The lower mean TMH reductions 15 min after Mestinon in the right and left eyes were 135.41 ± 85.47 and 55.44 ± 61.56 mm, 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 ± 68.27 mm² and 62.72 ± 50.57 mm², respectively; 15 mins after administration of Mestinon, the mean TMA in the right and left eyes was 77.27 ± 48.34 and 59.18 ± 44.74 mm², respectively (p = 0.001, p < 0.01). The mean decreases of 54.56 ± 39.34 mm² in the right eye area and 3.53 ± 42.32 mm² in the left eye area were statistically significant (p = 0.041, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

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.

The effect of topical steroids and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs on epiphora of unknown cause: Optical coherence tomography study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate using topical non-steroidal antiinflammatory and low-potency steroid drugs for the treatment of epiphora without an underlying cause using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and Munk epiphora grading system.

METHODS

Thirty patients with epiphora who had no underlying cause were evaluated prospectively.A detailed ophthalmological examination, tear meniscus height on slit-lamp, fluorescein tear break-up time, schirmer test, lisamin green conjonctival staining, lacrimal syringing of the upper and lower canaliculus were done in all patients. The patients with contact lens wear,punctal stenosis, lacrimal system disorders, dry eye disease, eyelid malpositions, pterygium, conjunctivochalasis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, ocular infection, and corneal disease, used topical anti-glaucomatous drugs were excluded. All patients were treated with a combination of topical low-potency drug (loteprednol etabonate 0.5%) twice daily for ten days and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nepafenac 0.3%)once a day for 1 month. Before and after the medical treatment protocol, tear meniscus area (TMA) and tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured by AS-OCT and patients were asked to subjectively rate their epiphora according to the Munk epiphora grading system. The effectiveness of treatment were evaluated by AS-OCT measurements and the Munk epiphora grading system.

RESULTS

Fourteen males and sixteen females were included. The mean age at presentation was 60.1 ± 7.35 years and duration of symptoms was 10.03 ± 5.08 months. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.7 ± 3.2 months. Munk epiphora grading system was significantly decreased from 2.5 to 1.6 after treatment (p: 0.004). TMH and TMA were significantly decreased on AS-OCT (TMH:402 vs 309 µm, p:0.001, TMA:0.797 vs 0.347 mm², p = 0.006).Six of thirty patients subjectively reported that their symptoms had not improved but TMH and TMA were significantly decreased on AS-OCT.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and low-potency steroid drops may be a good option in patients with epiphora who does not have an underlying cause.

Clinical Trial to Compare Success Rate of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy and External Dacryocystorhinostomy for Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

The purpose of this study is to compare the success rates of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) and external DCR (EX-DCR) for the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANLDO). Prospective randomized comparative study. Study was conducted for 2 years duration in a teaching hospital with 300 cases of endoscopic and 300 cases of external DCR with a follow-up of minimum 6 months. Data regarding surgical outcome and complications were analyzed and compared using χ2 test. In our study, the overall success rate of DCR for PANLDO was 92.6%, there was difference in terms of anatomical or functional success rate between EN-DCR (93.6%) and EX-DCR (91.6%). The incidence rate of post operative complication in our study was lower in Endonasal DCR (27.33%) as compared to External DCR (48%). Patients who underwent EN-DCR had shorter recovery time, less complications and higher satisfaction due to lack of external incision, although final surgical outcomes were comparable between two groups.

A Study of Otorhinolaryngological Diseases with Ophthalmic Complications: At a Tertiary Care Center

The eyeball and the orbit are neighbours of the ENT region. This close proximity, makes the involvement of the orbit and there of ophthalmological manifestations fairly common in the practise of Otorhinolaryngology. This was a prospective study. All the patients presenting with ophthalmological manifestations due to various ear, nose, throat and head-neck pathologies were constituted in this study. This study was carried out on 50 patients of all age groups with ophthalmological complications along with ENT diseases who came to the department of ENT and head-neck surgery and department of Ophthalmology of N.S.C.B. Government Medical College, Jabalpur from August 2018 to August 2019. The diseases of ENT with orbital extension must be considered whenever a patient presents with signs and symptoms of orbital disease such as proptosis, orbital mass, restriction of eye movements, neurological dysfunction of eye, chemosis, vision disturbances or epiphora. A firmer knowledge of orbital anatomy with respect to sinonasal region is required for any surgeon dealing with this important area, for a safer and more secure management in this complex region. Surgery remains the main stay of treatment for sinonasal diseases with orbital complications. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance in preserving vision and life in these patients.

Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with and Without Stents-A Comparative Study

The study aims to compare the outcomes of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without nasolacrimal stents. A prospective randomized comparative study involving fifty patients, divided into two groups of 25 patients each. Group A consists of patients who underwent endoscopic DCR with silicon stent and group B consists of patients who underwent endoscopic DCR without stent. Patients were regularly followed up at 1st week, 6th week, 10th week and at the end of 5th month postoperatively. The silicone stents were removed at 6th postoperative week. Using statistical analysis results between the two groups were compared. Post-operative improvement in nasolacrimal duct obstruction and epiphora was seen in both the groups. Age of the patients ranged from 18 to 69 years with most of the patients in the age group of 40 to 49 years (46% N = 23, 12 in group A and 11 in group B). 88% of the patients were females. (N = 44, 21 in group A and 23 in group B) and 12% were males (N = 6, 4 in group A and 2 in group B). The disease was more commonly observed on the left side with 72% of the cases (N = 36, 19 in group A and 17 in group B) and 28% (N = 14, 6 in group A and 8 in group B) on the right side. In group A, (En DCR with silicone stent) 96% of the cases were successful while 4% resulted in failure whereas in group B (En DCR without stent) 92% of the cases were successful while 8% resulted in failure. Endoscopic DCR is simple and safe method. It is minimally invasive procedure as it is a direct approach to the sac. Cosmetically it is acceptable as there is no external scar. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with canalicular silicone intubation for shorter duration (6 weeks) is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Close follow up immediately after surgery is needed to reduce the failure rate. Regular post-operative follow up is necessary and any defect like synechia and granulation tissue formation can be released at follow up period thus increasing the success rate. En DCR has a good success rate with and without stenting of 96% and 92% respectively.

Re-establishing Lacrimal drainage by Canaliculorhinostomy, after dacryocystectomy - A viable option in symptomatic patients

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome and efficacy of a modified technique of canaliculo-dacryocystorhinostomy (canaliculoDCR) in the complete absence of lacrimal sac, as a means to re-establish lacrimal drainage in post dacryocystectomy(DCT) patients.

Methods

A retrospective, non-randomised interventional study including 15 proven and established post DCT patients with intact canaliculi of at least 7- 8mm. The patients presented with bothersome tearing to the Oculoplasty clinic from January 2017 to January 2018. Patients were operated by a single surgeon (ST). Procedure involved creating a bony ostium of optimum size, internal membranectomy and the nasal mucosal flap anchored appropriately to create a passage in line with the common canaliculus(CC). Adjunctively bicanalicular intubation and mitomycin- C (MMC) were used.

Results

Of the 15 patients who were operated,10 females and 5 males, 14 (93.33%) had functionally and anatomically patent lacrimal passage after the modified canaliculoDCR, 1 (6.66%) was symptomatically better with partial regurgitation of clear fluid. 3(20%) had tube prolapse after first month post operatively, which although significant, was not related to the technique. They were repositioned as an office procedure and retained thereafter till removal, no other tube related or MMC related sequelae was seen. No intra operative complication was encountered.

Conclusion

With a success rate of 93.33% and a resultant patent lacrimal tear drainage passage and trivial complication such as tube prolapse, we can conclude, this technique of modified canaliculoDCR in post DCT patients is a safe and effective procedure with promising results, thereby avoiding cumbersome methods and maintenance of Jones tube while at the same time providing symptomatic relief to the patients.

Management of Bi-Punctal Stenosis by One-Snip Punctoplasty Combined with Silicone Intubation

PURPOSE

Assessment of the efficacy of upper and lower one-snip punctoplasty combined with silicone tube stenting for the management of bi-punctal stenosis.

METHODS

Prospective interventional case series of 20 patients (33 eyes, 66 puncta) with epiphora due to bi-punctal stenosis. All the patients were subjected to bi-punctal 1-snip punctoplasty with silicone intubation, and the tube was kept for 3 months. The follow-up was extended for 6 months after tube removal. The resolution of epiphora with patent puncta was considered as a complete functional success, while patent puncta with residual epiphora were considered as an anatomical success.

RESULTS

The mean patients' age was 41.3 years and 55% were females. Grade 0 puncta were found in 9.1%, and grade 1 represented 39.4%, while 51.5% had grade 2 puncta. Silicone tube was removed after an average period of 12.1 ± 2.7 weeks. Complete functional success was reported in 90.9% while anatomical success was noticed in 97%.

CONCLUSION

One-snip punctoplasty combined with 3 months of silicone intubation can be considered in the management of bi-punctal stenosis achieving high success rates with a minor discrepancy between functional and anatomical outcomes.

[Comparison of subjective improvement in quality of life of patients after open and minimally invasive surgical techniques for recanalization of lacrimal duct stenosis in 2015-2018]

BACKGROUND

Open and minimally invasive tear duct surgery are among the common surgical indications; however, little is known so far about the respective influences on the quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the subjective influence on the quality of life of patients after open and minimally invasive surgical techniques for recanalization of dacryostenosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From the collective of patients who were surgically treated at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf from 2015 to 2018, a total of 169 patients (111 dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR, 58 endoscopy) took part in the survey and answered 9 questions about subjective satisfaction, which were evaluated also comparatively.

RESULTS

When asked about postoperative satisfaction, the patients were significantly more satisfied after DCR (p = 0.001) than the patients who underwent a lacrimal endoscopy. There was no significant difference in terms of postoperative complications (p = 0.348). The rate of reoperations, however, was significantly higher in the patient group who underwent lacrimal endoscopy (χ2-test, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In summary it can be said that DCR is not inferior to lacrimal endoscopy in terms of patient satisfaction.

Syringing has limited reliability in differentiating nasolacrimal duct stenosis from functional delay

PURPOSE

To elucidate the role of syringing in assessing nasolacrimal duct (NLD) stenosis and non-anatomical functional NLD delay.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients with epiphora attending a tertiary lacrimal clinic from June 2011 to March 2021 were reviewed. Cases with evidence of canalicular stenosis or other identifiable causes of epiphora were excluded. Following syringing, patients were investigated with dacryocystography (DCG) and dacryoscintigraphy (DSG). The sensitivity and specificity of syringing were evaluated using the combined findings on DCG and DSG.

RESULTS

A total of 289 symptomatic lacrimal systems (197 patients; mean age 65.5 ± 14.9 years, 66% females) were included. More than one-third of cases with both normal DCG and DSG were noted to have some degree of reflux on syringing (specificity = 65.1%, 95% CI 50.2-77.6%). The sensitivities were considerably low for NLD stenosis (i.e., stenosis on DCG and delay on DSG) and for functional NLD delay (i.e., normal DCG and delay on DSG), of which 43.7% (95% CI 32.2-55.9%) and 54.3% (95% CI 45.7-62.7%) had full patency on syringing, respectively (p = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Full patency on syringing was unreliable for ruling out NLD stenosis and functional delay. Furthermore, a positive syringing may be associated with functional NLD delay and cannot reliably differentiate it from stenosis.

The Association of Clinical Symptoms and Coexistent Clinical Conditions with Ophthalmic Manifesting in COVID-19 Patients

Background

The ocular symptoms are common manifestations in coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), which faces secondary complications and therapeutic challenges. Underlying diseases actuate the body to infectious diseases and their related manifestations through the aberration of metabolism and suppressing the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of underlying diseases and ocular manifestations in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was held on 108 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (confirmed by molecular detection) admitted to Rouhani hospital, Babol, Iran. Upon hospitalization, all clinical symptoms and underlying diseases were registered. Detailed clinical examinations regarding ophthalmological protocols were used to investigate the ocular symptoms. All analyses were performed by SPSS, version 25.

Results

Our results showed that 26.67% of patients with at least one ocular symptom had hyperlipidemia, while 10.42% of patients without any ocular symptoms had hyperlipidemia (P=0.049). In this study, 97.81% of COVID-19 patients without epiphora had no thyroid disorders (hyper-/hypo-thyroidism), while 82.35% of COVID-19 patients with epiphora had not any thyroid disorders (P=0.012). Also, 75.00% of patients with blurred vision had diabetes mellitus, while 35.00% of patients without blurred vision suffered from diabetes mellitus. This difference was borderline significant (P=0.051). Other results showed that 13.04% of COVID-19 patients with eye redness suffer from myalgia, while 35.29% of patients without eye redness had myalgia (P=0.044). Also, 35.11% of COVID-19 patients without photophobia had myalgia, while none of the patients with photophobia had myalgia (P=0.005). Finally, 70.00% of patients with respiratory distress had at least one ocular symptom, while 43.10% of patients without respiratory distress had at least one ocular symptom (P=0.007).

Conclusion

Some underlying diseases, e.g., hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders, and some clinical symptoms in hospitalized patients, e.g., myalgia and respiratory distress, are correlated with ocular manifestations in COVID-19 patients.

Adjunctive Punctal Re-Dilation for Early Postoperative Cicatrization after One-Snip Punctoplasty

OBJECTIVES

This was an assessment of one-snip punctoplasty outcomes in patients for whom adjunctive punctal re-dilatation was performed in-office for early postoperative cicatricial changes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent one-snip punctoplasty between March 2019 and February 2020 due to acquired punctal stenosis. Patients were followed up on the first, third, and seventh postoperative day, then weekly for the remainder of the first month, every 2 weeks over the next month, and then monthly. Punctal re-dilatation was performed if patients showed early clinical signs of re-stenosis. Demographic details, the number and timing of re-dilatation procedures, the timing of re-stenosis, and anatomical and functional success rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

The medical records of 148 eyes of 86 patients were evaluated. A re-dilation procedure was performed in a total of 57 (38.5%) puncta showing signs of early cicatrization. The first punctal re-dilatation was performed at a mean of 17.2±11.3 days (range: 3-57 days). Re-stenosis was observed in 25 puncta (16.9%) at a mean of 5.6±3.1 weeks (range: 2-16 weeks). The anatomical success rate was 83.1% and the functional success rate was 79.1%. There were no significant differences in the anatomical and functional success rates between the patients who did and did not need adjunctive re-dilatation.

CONCLUSION

In-office punctal re-dilatation may improve functional and anatomical success rates after one-snip punctoplasty by preventing recurrent punctal cicatrization.

Current practice trends for lacrimal gland neurotoxin in the management of epiphora-a BOPSS survey

PURPOSE

Injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) to the lacrimal gland (LG) offers a simple and effective treatment in the management of epiphora. However, there is little data on current practice trends or uptake as an alternative to surgery. This study assesses current practice trends of such treatment amongst BOPSS (British Oculoplastic Surgery Society) members.

METHODS

All consultant BOPSS members were invited to participate in a web-based survey which consisted of 5 questions, with a reminder invitation to participate. The role, dose, potential side effects, use as an alternative to surgical intervention, and impact on service delivery were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one BOPSS consultants (43% uptake) completed the survey. Ninety percent of respondents were regularly using LG BoNTA in their management of epiphora. The main indicators for considering BoNTA use were medical comorbidities and elderly patients. The mean first treatment dose of Botox® was 3.6 units (SD 1.5). Diplopia and ptosis complications were always discussed in the consent for treatment in addition to dry eye. Twenty-five percent of surgeons reported doing less conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomies (cDCR) due to the availability of LG BoNTA. No respondents felt that the requirement for repeated BoNTA treatments was impacting on their service delivery.

CONCLUSION

Uptake of LG BoNTA in the management of epiphora is at a similar rate to all other available treatments. As a result, respondents are performing less surgical procedures, particularly cDCR in patients at higher surgical morbidity.

A Fronto-ethmoidal Sinus Mucocele presenting with optic disc edema

The frontal and anterior ethmoidal sinus mucoceles may enlarge progressively and invade into the orbit by destructing the bony walls of the sinuses leading to diplopia or proptosis, but it rarely result in optic nerve impairment. We report on a case of fronto-ethmoidal sinus mucoceles presenting with unilateral optic disc edema without visual disturbances. Ocular manifestations, radiographic techniques, and histopathological evaluation were used to make the diagnosis. Early diagnosis through a combination of ophthalmological examinations and radiographic techniques is imperative in patients with fronto-ethmoidal sinus mucoceles presenting with optic disc edema. It is important for the ophthalmologist to be aware of the ocular manifestations associated with sinus mucoceles to avoid misdiagnosis.

Investigation of the Lower Punctum Parameters: A Spectral Domain Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Study

Purpose:

To evaluate the dimensions of lower punctum in a sample of Iranian normal population using spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 102 eyes of 102 healthy volunteers were enrolled. All participants underwent a detailed history and complete ophthalmic examination. Lower punctum metrics were measured using OCT (Spectralis, Heidelberg) with the anterior segment module. External punctal diameter was defined as the largest diameter at the surface of the punctum. Internal punctal diameter was measured at two different depths of 100 μm and 500 μm from the external surface. Measurements were repeated for 30% of data by another grader. The agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 61.5 ± 7.9 years. The mean external punctal diameter was 425.6 ± 124.3 μm. The mean internal punctal diameter at 100 μm and 500 μm was 183 ± 97.5 μm and 77.7 ± 51.4 μm, respectively. The agreement between the graders was high in assessing all punctal characteristics (ICC >0.9 for all measurements).

Conclusion:

The spectral domain OCT can be used for measuring lower punctum diameter with acceptable reproducibility.

Results and clinical aspects of primary endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube

OBJECTIVE

Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a common treatment for saccal and post-saccal stenosis of the lacrimal pathway or chronic dacryocystitis (DC). The main symptom is chronic epiphora (tearing) and dacryocystitis (infection). The objective of this study is to assess the short-term surgical result of this treatment based on possible prognostic factors; such as gender, age, the pathogen spectrum and the histopathological result as well as the influence of these parameters on hospital stay.

METHODS

It is a retrospective analysis, which includes 197 cases in 177 patients, who received an endonasal endoscopic DCR with a silicone tube between January 2009 and December 2016, as primary procedure. The follow-up was carried out 3 months after the surgery, with the silicone tube being removed as part of the last examination including a flushing of the tear ducts with saline. This procedure is part of determining to measure the short-term success of the intervention. The definition of success of the surgery is an absence of epiphora or an acute infection of the nasolacrimal duct system, as well as an absent reflux in case of flushing the tear duct.

RESULTS

The success rate was 86.3% (N = 170). Higher incidence was seen in females (N = 146; 74.1%) and patients with a mean age of 65.4 (± 17.2). The presence of pathogens as well as the histopathological result do not have an impact on the short-term surgical success. Patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases appear to have a worse prognosis with relation to procedure success. Also, the length of hospital stay was related to possible prognostic factors. Type II diabetes and glaucoma had a significant influence on a longer hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

The endonasal endoscopic DCR is a surgical procedure with high success rate. Patients with rheumatic diseases should be aware of increased failure rates. Patients with glaucoma and Type II diabetes might need a more intense aftercare.

Nose sinus manometry in evaluating functional outcomes of anterior and posterior endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior and posterior dacryorhinocystostomy (En-Dcr) by assessing the surgical outcome with a new objective technique, nose sinus manometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult patients presenting nasolacrimal duct obstruction were enrolled in this study and randomly divided in two groups. In group A patients underwent anterior endonasal dacryorhinocystostomy, group B underwent the posterior approach. All patients were evaluated through Nose Sinus Manometry, endoscopic dye disappearance functional test (EDFT) and subjective assessment three months post-op. Pearson test and T-student Test were used for evaluations.

RESULTS

The mean differences in the pressure values were significantly different in the two groups of treatment, therefore, the patients of group B had strong improvement in pressure values compared with patients of group A.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms a relevant physical distinction between posterior En-Dcr outcomes compared to anterior En-Dcr and reveals a significant success rate difference between the two groups of patients. The posterior surgical technique shows better results than the anterior one, by providing an almost physiological post- operative endonasal outcome. These results also showed the effectiveness of Nose Sinus Manometry in assessing the post- operative outcomes after En-Dcr.

Vismodegib for Preservation of Visual Function in Patients with Advanced Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma: The VISORB Trial

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer often curable by excision; however, for patients with BCC around the eye, excision places visual organs and function at risk. In this article, we test the hypothesis that use of the hedgehog inhibitor vismodegib will improve vision‐related outcomes in patients with orbital and extensive periocular BCC (opBCC).

Materials and Methods

In this open‐label, nonrandomized phase IV trial, we enrolled patients with globe‐ and lacrimal drainage system–threatening opBCC. To assess visual function in the context of invasive periorbital and lacrimal disease, we used a novel Visual Assessment Weighted Score (VAWS) in addition to standard ophthalmic exams. Primary endpoint was VAWS with a score of 21/50 (or greater) considered successful, signifying globe preservation. Tumor response was evaluated using RECIST v1.1. Surgical specimens were examined histologically by dermatopathologists.

Results

In 34 patients with opBCC, mean VAWS was 44/50 at baseline, 46/50 at 3 months, and 47/50 at 12 months or postsurgery. In total, 100% of patients maintained successful VAWS outcome at study endpoint. Compared with baseline, 3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1–15.3) experienced major score decline (5+ points), 14.7% (95% CI, 5 to 31.1) experienced a minor decline (2–4 points), and 79.4% experienced a stable or improved score (95% CI, 62.1–91.3). A total of 56% (19) of patients demonstrated complete tumor regression by physical examination, and 47% (16) had complete regression by MRI/CT. A total of 79.4% (27) of patients underwent surgery, of which 67% (18) had no histologic evidence of disease, 22% (6) had residual disease with clear margins, and 11% (3) had residual disease extending to margins.

Conclusion

Vismodegib treatment, primary or neoadjuvant, preserves globe and visual function in patients with opBCC. Clinical trail identification number.NCT02436408.

Implications for Practice

Use of the antihedgehog inhibitor vismodegib resulted in preservation of end‐organ function, specifically with regard to preservation of the eye and lacrimal apparatus when treating extensive periocular basal cell carcinoma. Vismodegib as a neoadjuvant also maximized clinical benefit while minimizing toxic side effects. This is the first prospective clinical trial to demonstrate efficacy of neoadjuvant antihedgehog therapy for locally advanced periocular basal cell carcinoma, and the first such trial to demonstrate end‐organ preservation.

This article reports the results of a prospective clinical trial of vismodegib for patients with basal cell carcinoma occurring in the orbital and periocular regions to assess whether such treatment helps to preserve visual organs and function.

The predictive value of nasolacrimal sac biopsy in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

BACKGROUND

During dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), the lacrimal sac wall biopsy is not routinely performed in our hospital, but it is recommended if there is a suspicion of underlying disease other than preoperatively or intraoperatively chronic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

Most of patients with epiphora have different causes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). This study aims to examine how important routine lacrimal sac biopsy is during endoscopic DCR surgery.

PATIENTS & METHODS

The study included 50 patients with chronic unilateral epiphora. All patients underwent endoscopic DCR with NLD biopsy. Histopathologic analysis was performed for each specimen.

RESULTS

The findings of NLD biopsy showed chronic inflammation in 33 cases (66%), chronic dacryocystitis in 9 cases (18%), dacryolith with dacryocystitis in one case, granuloma in 4 cases (8%), rhinoscleroma in 2 cases (4%), and one case had a neoplasm. Histopathologic findings were inflammatory cellular infiltrates in 56%, 30% and 14% in mild, moderate and severe chronic inflammatory state (CIS) score, respectively. Fibrosis in 18%, 20% and 62% in mild, moderate and severe CIS score, respectively. Capillary proliferation in 64%, 32% and 4% in mild, moderate and severe CIS score, respectively. Chronic inflammatory signs in 64%, 32% and 4% in mild, moderate and severe CIS score, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although neoplasm and granuloma are rare cause of lacrimal sac or duct obstruction requiring DCR, they were detected through nasolacrimal assessment and routine intraoperative lacrimal sac biopsy.

Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy - Success Rates and Related Factors During 3 Years of Follow-Up

Purpose: To evaluate the success rates of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) during 3 years of follow-up and to find clinical factors that influence surgical outcomes.Methods: Major outcomes were the anatomical success defined as a patent neo-ostium tested by irrigation and the functional success defined as a patent osteotomy with the absence of epiphora, accessed at 6-month, 1, 2, and 3-year follow-up visits. To determine which factors influence success rates, patients were divided according to gender, age, previous lacrimal surgeries, nasosinusal anatomy, energy employed, treatment with topical prostaglandin analogs, and timing of extubation.Results: A total of 134 eyes were included. 55.2% of patients underwent peribulbar block. The surgical mean duration was 30.6 min. We obtained anatomical and functional success rates of 80.0% and 70.8% at 6 months; 69.3% and 61.4% at 1 year; 64.2% and 58.0% at 2 years; 56.4% and 46.2% at 3 years, respectively. Functional success was significantly higher in younger patients (p = .008). Bicanalicular intubation for 2 months improved anatomical and functional success rates (p = .028 and p = .001, respectively). No other factors showed a significant impact. 85.8% of patients didn´t experience any complications. Palpebral swelling was the most frequent complication.Conclusion: TCL-DCR is a minimally invasive, repeatable, and safe alternative to treat nasolacrimal duct obstructions. We found success rates comparable to literature and stated that younger patients and those intubated for 2 months show better results.

Recurrent epiphora after dacryocystorhinostomy surgery: Structural abnormalities identified with dacryocystography and long term outcomes of revision surgery : Success rates of further surgery following failed dacryocystorhinostomy surgery

Background

To investigate the aetiopathology of recurrent epiphora or stickiness after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, identifiable on dacryocystography (DCG), and to assess the success rates of secondary corrective surgeries.

Methods

Consecutive post-DCR DCG images from patients with recurrent symptoms were reviewed between 2012 and 2015.

Results

One hundred fifty-nine eyes of 137 patients were evaluated. Fifty-eight DCGs showed normal postoperative findings, 4 an upper/lower canalicular block, 13 a common canalicular block, 31 a completely closed anastomosis, 50 a narrow anastomosis, and 3 an anastomosis draining into a nasal sinus.

The most successful corrective procedures for each failure category were: Lester Jones Tube (LJT) for a normal post-operative DCG (17/18 success), Sisler trephination with tubes for upper/lower canalicular block (1/2 success), redo-DCR with tube for common canalicular blockage (5/6 success), redo-DCR +/− tube for completely closed anastomosis (12/16 success), LJT followed by redo-DCR +/− tube for narrow surgical anastomosis (1/1 and 17/27 success respectively), and redo-external-DCR with tube for anastomosis into a nasal sinus (1/1 success). Redo-DCR was ineffective in patients who had good post-DCR anatomical patency (22% success).

Conclusion

This is the first study to report success rates of redo-DCR surgery according to anatomical findings confirmed by DCG. The outcome flow diagram help clinicians recommend procedures that are most likely to be successful for their patient’s specific anatomical abnormality. It also provides a visual tool for the shared decision-making process. Notably, symptomatic patients with a normal DCG post DCR are unlikely to benefit from redo-DCR, with a LJT being the recommended next step.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-01869-8.

Lacrimal Drainage System Problems After Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

To report case series of permanent nasolacrimal system problems following rhinoplasty METHODS: The documents of patients with epiphora and history of rhinoplastic surgery were reviewed. The data of patients with permanent epiphora (continued over 3 months or started after 3 months of post-rhinoplasty surgery) and lacrimal drainage system (LDS) problems were analyzed for demographics, the result of diagnostic probing and irrigation, findings of orbital and paranasal sinuses CT scan, abnormalities in nasal endoscopy, treatment, and follow-up data.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients with epiphora and history of rhinoplasty were referred to our clinic. Ten of them had permanent epiphora and LDS problems. In these patients, the mean time between rhinoplasty and initial symptoms of LDS problems was 10.3 ± 15.1 (range, 0-45 months) and the mean time between rhinoplasty and the LDS surgery was 22.2 ± 19.5 months (range 4-60 months). Diagnostic probing and irrigation test revealed canalicular stenosis in four (40%) patients, pus reflux in four (40%), clear reflux without passage in four (40%), and partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in two (20%) of patients. DCR was performed in eight (80%) patients. Therapeutic probing and lacrimal intubation were performed in two (20%) patients.

CONCLUSION

A permanent injury of the LDS is one of the important complications of the rhinoplastic surgery that should be managed based on the onset and duration of the symptoms and the location of the injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Tear protein analysis in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction treated with lacrimal passage intubation

PURPOSE

The pathophysiology of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) may involve quantitative as well as qualitative changes in tears. We measured tear protein concentrations in patients with primary acquired NLDO and compared them with the tear proteins in healthy individuals and patients with dry eye disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients diagnosed with primary acquired NLDO who underwent endoscopic lacrimal passage intubation were included in the study. Tear fluid was collected with Schirmer's test strips three times: before intubation, after intubation while the nasolacrimal tube was in place, and after extubation. At the same time, 24 age-matched normal controls and 24 patients with dry eye were selected from subjects whose tears were collected during the same study period. We measured the following components of tear fluid: total protein, lactoferrin, albumin, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels.

RESULTS

Total proteins and albumin levels in tears of the NLDO group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively, Mann-Whitney U test). Total proteins, albumin, and lactoferrin levels were significantly increased after extubation of nasolacrimal tube (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.029, respectively, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test). There were no statistically significant differences in total protein, albumin, lactoferrin and IL-6 levels between patients with NLDO after lacrimal passage extubation and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows distinct differences in protein composition of tear fluid in NLDO eyes and demonstrates that these can be normalized by nasolacrimal tube placement.

Nasal Chondromesenchymal Hamartoma: A Rare Benign Lesion in Adult Female

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a rare benign lesion of the sinonasal tract in children and adolescent with orbital involvement. NCMH is histologically composed of nodules of cartilage with cellular density variation and maturation of the chondrocytes, a myxoid to spindle cell stroma, focal osteoclast-like giant cells in the stroma, and erythrocyte-filled spaces. This lesion may present with a destructive pattern on imaging, highly suggestive of malignancy. Total endoscopic resection is the choice of treatment nowadays, however incomplete excision could result in tumor recurrence but rare.

Evaluation of ostium size following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as a predictive factor of outcome: A prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure that aims to increase tear drainage to treat epiphora caused by nasolacrimal obstruction by creating a bypass through the bone between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. A silicone stent is temporarily put in place for 2 months to avoid early obstruction of the rhinostomy. One of the causes of surgical failure is related to progressive stenosis of intranasal ostium, due to fibrosis and new bone growth, inducing a relapse of epiphora and/or dacryocystitis. Few studies have described changes in the size of the intranasal ostium on direct post-DCR measurement or kinetics of its shrinkage. The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in the size of intranasal ostium might be a predictor of final functional efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort of eighteen consecutive patients undergoing endonasal DCR for chronic epiphora or chronic dacryocystitis between January 2017 and April 2018 was analyzed. Eight patients who underwent bilateral DCR, and twenty-six intranasal ostia were finally analyzed. Follow-up took place every two months for 1 year, with the silicone tube removed at 2 months. Functional success was defined as absence of recurrent epiphora or dacryocystitis. Ostium size was systematically measured on photos taken during intranasal endoscopy performed every 2 months for 1 year.

RESULTS

At 2 months after endonasal DCR, 23 of the 26 ostia (88.5%) were functional, but only 19 (73.1%) of them were directly measurable. The mean horizontal diameter at 2 months was 1.44 (SD 0.61) mm, and the mean vertical diameter was 0.86 (SD 0.37) mm, which corresponded to a mean area of 10 (SD 0.84)mm². We noted a statistically significant decrease in ostium size and area between 2 and 4 months after the procedure (P -0.001), followed by a stabilization period with no statistical correlation between the size of the ostium and its final functional efficacy. At 6 months after DCR, of the 7 ostia that were not initially measurable, 3 were immediately non-functional at 2 months, 3 had a relapse of epiphora at 4 months, and 1 had a relapse of dacryocystitis at 6 months, i.e., 100% clinical failures at 6 months. The other procedures all remained functional after 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The intranasal ostium of an endonasal DCR shrinks significantly within the 2 months after removal of the silicone tube and remains stable thereafter. There is no correlation between the size or area of intranasal ostium and its final functional efficacy. However, when the ostium is not measurable at the time of 2-month stent removal, all patients experienced a relapse of epiphora or dacryocystitis within 6 months.

Success rates of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction at various ages

BACKGROUND

Although nasolacrimal duct probing is the standard treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) among children, the optimal timing of this procedure has been a topic of debate. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of nasolacrimal duct probing among patients with CNLDO symptoms at various ages.

METHODS

An 8-year retrospective study involved 2434 patients (3009 eyes), who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing conducted under topical anesthesia in the operating theatre. The study group consisted of 1148 girls (47.2%) and 1286 boys (52.8%) from 2 weeks to 41 months (average age was 8 ± 5.6 months). The participants were divided into nine age groups: 0-2 months, 3-6 months, 7-9 months, 10-12 months, 13-15 months, 16-18 months, 19-21 months, 22-24 months and over 24 months.

RESULTS

Bilateral obstruction was present among 575 (23.6%) children and was associated with a higher percentage of unsuccessful procedures compared to patients with unilateral obstruction (16.9% vs 10.2%, p < 0.001 Chi-square test). The success rate of the initial probing was 87.2% for all children and it was shown that it decreased with age. In the above age groups, it was 87.9%; 91.4%; 89.6%; 86%; 76.3%; 71.3%; 70.3%; 70.2%; 65.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Probing is a safe and effective procedure. However, age at the time of the initial intervention and bilateral surgery constitute significant risk factors for failed probing. Probing between 7 and 9 months appears to be reasonable treatment strategy for children without recurrent infections. Early surgical intervention may be considered for patients with additional signs.

Endoscopy-guided diode laser-assisted transcaruncular StopLoss Jones tube implantation for canalicular obstructions in primary surgery

PURPOSE

To introduce and evaluate a minimally-invasive endoscopy-guided transcaruncular laser-assisted StopLoss Jones tube (SLJT) implantation technique for severe canalicular obstructions in primary surgeries.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 12 adult patients (12 eyes) with severe epiphora secondary to long-segment canalicular obstructions. All the 12 eyes underwent an endoscopy-guided transcaruncular SLJT implantation with an 810-nm diode laser's assistance as the primary surgical approach. Surgical and functional success rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as the need for secondary surgery, are evaluated.

RESULTS

Primary surgical success was achieved in 11 of the 12 cases (92%); one patient (8%) required secondary surgery to replace an SLJT with a shorter one. Ultimately, all cases showed well-placed functioning tubes. Three of the 12 cases (25%) presented conjunctival scarring, conjunctival granulation tissue, with or without tube-associated irritation of the ocular surface. We observed no sink-in, extrusion, nor crack of the tube. Complete functional success was achieved in 83%, and moderate functional success in 17% of all patients. The functionally unsuccessful outcome was not present in this study.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy-guided transcaruncular diode laser-assisted SLJT implantation seems to be a promising minimally invasive approach for primary treatment of severe canalicular dacryostenosis. This novel technique shows high functional success rates. It seems to avoid the risk of tube malposition and extrusion, septal and turbinate injury, nasal adhesion, drainage failure, ethmoiditis, postoperative bleeding, and cutaneous scars.

Case presentation and literature review

Antecedentes

Los puntos lagrimales supernumerarios son una malformación congénita poco común y con una variabilidad anatómica importante. En muchas ocasiones pueden ser sintomáticos y cursar con epífora.

Caso clínico

Se describe el caso de un paciente de 45 años con epífora secundaria a un punto lagrimal supernumerario sin otra patología lagrimal asociada tratado exitosamente con el uso de tapones de vías lagrimales.

Conclusiones

Los tapones de vías lagrimales para el tratamiento de la epífora secundaria a puntos lagrimales supernumerarios pueden ser utilizados en pacientes con variantes anatómicas adecuadas.

Background

Supernumerary lacrimal punctum is a rare malformation of the lacrimal apparatus with a highly variable anatomical presentation. In many cases this can be symptomatic and cause tearing.

Case presentation

The case of a 45 year old male with a supernumerary lacrimal punctum and tearing without any other associated lacrimal system anomaly treated successfully with lacrimal plugs.

Conclusions

Lacrimal plugs can be used as an alternative treatment in selected cases of symptomatic supernumerary lacrimal punctum with epiphora.

Nose sinus manometry in evaluating functional outcomes of anterior and posterior endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior and posterior dacryorhinocystostomy (En-Dcr) by assessing the surgical outcome with a new objective technique, nose sinus manometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult patients presenting nasolacrimal duct obstruction were enrolled in this study and randomly divided in two groups. In group A patients underwent anterior endonasal dacryorhinocystostomy, group B underwent the posterior approach. All patients were evaluated through Nose Sinus Manometry, endoscopic dye disappearance functional test (EDFT) and subjective assessment three months post-op. Pearson test and T-student Test were used for evaluations.

RESULTS

The mean differences in the pressure values were significantly different in the two groups of treatment, therefore, the patients of group B had strong improvement in pressure values compared with patients of group A.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms a relevant physical distinction between posterior En-Dcr outcomes compared to anterior En-Dcr and reveals a significant success rate difference between the two groups of patients. The posterior surgical technique shows better results than the anterior one, by providing an almost physiological post- operative endonasal outcome. These results also showed the effectiveness of Nose Sinus Manometry in assessing the post- operative outcomes after En-Dcr.

Eiology and prognosis of canalicular laceration repair using canalicular anastomosis combined with bicanalicular stent intubation

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the etiology of lacrimal canalicular laceration and explore the possible risk factors influencing prognosis.

METHODS

The data of 142 patients (142 eyes) with lacrimal canalicular lacerations who were surgically treated using canalicular anastomosis combined with bicanalicular stent intubation between March 2017 and March 2018 were reviewed. The analyzed data contained demographic information, types of trauma, injury locations, associated additional ocular injuries, and surgical outcomes at follow-up. The main outcome measures were anatomic success rate, functional success rate, and complications of surgery.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 42.07 years (ranging from 1 to 75 years). Among the 142 patients, 112 (78.87%) were males. Upper and lower canalicular lacerations were found in 14 (9.86%) and 112 (78.87%) patients, respectively. Meanwhile, both upper and lower canalicular lacerations were found in 16 (11.27%) patients. Electric bike accidents comprised the leading cause of injury, accounting for 76 (53.52%) cases. There were 100 (70.42%) patients who had lid lacerations without tarsal plate fracture and 42 (29.58%) patients who had lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures. The anatomic success rate was 98.59% and the functional success rate was 83.8%. The functional reconstruction failure rates were higher in patients with indirect injuries, lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures, and those with punctum splitting (P < 0.05). Surgical complications were detected in the form of lacrimal punctum ectropion in 3 (2.11%) patients, punctum splitting in 2 (1.41%) patients, and stent extrusion and loss in 2 (1.41%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Electric bike accidents have become the leading cause of injury instead of motor vehicle accidents because of the changes in the lifestyles of people. Indirect injuries, lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures, and those with punctum splitting were significantly more likely to lead to poor prognosis, as confirmed by the lower functional success rate of surgery.

Surgical procedure of canaliculoplasty in the treatment of primary canaliculitis associated with canalicular dilatation

Background

Primary canaliculitis is a chronic infection of the proximal lacrimal pathway. We aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes of a canaliculoplasty procedure for primary canaliculitis associated with canalicular dilatation.

Methods

This study enrolled 42 primary canaliculitis patients with canalicular dilatation who underwent canaliculoplasty. All patients were treated with canaliculotomy, curettage of canalicular contents and canaliculoplasty with stent placement. Patients’ demographics, clinical features, and follow-up outcomes were evaluated.

Results

There were 12 males and 30 females with a mean age of 66.1 ± 13.9 years. The mean duration time from the first onset of signs/symptoms to diagnosis was 30.6 ± 39.5 months. Epiphora (90.5%) and mucopurulent discharge from punctum (85.7%) were the most common signs. Thirty-three out of 42 patients (78.6%) achieved complete remission with a mean follow-up time of 25.3 ± 12.9 months. There were 3 patients found to have canalicular stenosis due to obstruction after surgery.

Conclusion

Canalicular dilatation is a severe condition of primary canaliculitis, probably due to a combined result of long standing disease and the presence of concretions. The surgical procedure of canaliculoplasty can be a highly effective treatment for primary canaliculitis associated with canalicular dilatation.

Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy: A breakthrough in the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Objective:

To evaluate the success rate of Transcanalicular Diode laser assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy (TC-DCR) in cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).

Methods:

This Quasi-Experimental study was conducted in Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) Rawalpindi, from July 2018 to April 2019. In this study, 73 patients of chronic dacryocystitis secondary to acquired NLDO were treated by TC-DCR under general anaesthesia. Follow up examination was done after one day, one week and three months. Silicone tubes were removed three months after surgery and syringing of lacrimal system done to confirm patency of lacrimal passages. Success of the procedure was documented as absence of epiphora and patent nasolacrimal duct on syringing.

Results:

Seventy three patients (males 27; females 46) were included in this study. Mean age of these patients was 51.6+21 years. On completion of this study which was three months after surgery, we found subjective improvement (absence of epiphora) in 86.3% patients and objective improvement (successful irrigation of lacrimal passages) in 93.2% patients.

Conclusion:

TC- DCR is a minimally invasive technique of doing Dacryocystorhinostomy and imparts more than 90% success rate. It has additional advantages of good cosmetic results, low complication rate and short surgery and convalescence time.

[Congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction: pulled monocanalicular intubation (Monoka) versus pushed monocanalicular intubation (Masterka)]

INTRODUCTION

The primary cause of congenital epiphora, congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction (CNLDO) affects 5 to 20% of newborns. In children over 12 months, it is currently recommended to treat with primary probing and intubation of the nasolacrymal duct under general anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to compare "pulled" monocanalicular intubation (Monoka) versus "pushed" monocanalicular intubation (Masterka).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 73 children between 2014 and 2017 who presented with CNLDO with membranous (mucosal) obstruction. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Children with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation (Monoka) with classic nasal recovery or pushed monocanalicular intubation (Masterka) inserted via the canthus. Treatment success was defined as complete resolution of epiphora at two months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Surgical outcomes were assessed in 53 eyes with Monoka and 20 eyes with Masterka intubation. The mean age at treatment was 25 months (range, 12-69 months) for the two groups. Treatment success was achieved in 19 of 20 eyes (95.0%) in the Masterka group compared with 50 of 53 eyes (94.0%) in the Monoka group. A tube loss occured in 14% of cases in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In children over 12 months of age, the Masterka "pushed" monocanalicular intubation technique is an effective treatment for congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: A comparison of double-flap and single-flap techniques

Background

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure to restore the flow of tears into the nose from the lacrimal sac when the nasolacrimal duct obstructed. This study aimed to compare the success rates of two different techniques in endonasal endoscopic DCR; namely single and double mucosal flap techniques.

Material and methods

A nonequivalent quasi-experiment design was used in this study. Retrospectively, patients underwent endoscopic DCR for primary nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction were included. Patients were divided into the single-flap technique and the double-flap technique groups. Success was defined as the achievement of patency of the NLD throughout the period of follow-up with significant improvement in epiphora.

Results

Overall, 77 cases were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 41 years and 60% were female. Forty-six cases underwent the single-flap technique and 31 cases underwent the double-flap technique. Recurrence of NLD obstruction occurred in 11 (23.9%) cases in the single-flap group and in only one case (3.2%) in the double-flap group.

Conclusion

The modified double-flap technique for primary NLD obstruction resulted in less recurrence compared to the single-flap technique. Creating double flaps to cover any exposed lacrimal bone may reduce the rate of postoperative adhesions over the nasolacrimal duct ostium.

•

DCR is used to restore the tears into the nose from the obstructed lacrimal sac.

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Single and double mucosal flap techniques can be used.

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Double-flap technique for primary NLD obstruction resulted in less recurrence.

The use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in evaluation of punctal stenosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the applicability of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for objective diagnosis of punctal stenosis.

METHODS

We report the use of AS-OCT in 3 cases of epiphora related to punctal stenosis. We followed the methodology described in previous studies. The examination was performed by a single technician using a single Spectralis OCT with the AS-OCT module. Three patients with complaints of epiphora (mean age=80 years) were examined. The external punctal diameter was measured on both infrared (IR) and OCT images. The internal diameter was measured on OCT images at a depth of 500μm. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination.

RESULTS

The external punctal diameters were 159μm in the right eye (Cases 1 and 2) and 195μm in the left eye (case 2; mean: 171μm). All measurements were lower than cadaveric measurements (200-500μm), as well as previously described average diameters, thus confirming the diagnosis of punctal stenosis. The AS-OCT diameter correlated moderately with the punctal diameter estimate on the IR photos (mean: 183μm). In addition, the mean internal diameter of the punctum at 500μm (cases 1 and 2) was 58μm, which is consistent with the mean diameter at 500μm described in previous studies. Case 3 involved an 88-year-old man who complained of chronic epiphora. Slit lamp examination showed total punctal stenosis associated with cicatricial ectropion in the left eye due to a cutaneous tumor treated with radiotherapy. AS-OCT confirmed the presence of total punctual stenosis and the absence of associated canalicular stenosis.

LIMITATIONS

Our study is obviously limited by its small study population. The decision to resort to surgery was made by 2 different surgeons. There was thus no homogeneity in terms of stenosis. There is difficulty in everting the lid without applying pressure to the globe or changing the punctal or canalicular morphology. This maneuver was difficult in the postoperative setting after ectropion repair.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that AS-OCT can be a rapid, non-invasive method in diagnosing punctal stenosis. Further studies are necessary to assess the use of AS-OCT in punctal stenosis.