ASSESSMENT OF ANATOMICAL & FUNCTIONAL SUCCESS IN EXTERNAL DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY BY AIR BUBBLE TEST

Abstract

Aim: To assess reliability indices of Air Bubble Test (ABT) for anatomical and functional success in external Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
 Methods: Prospective case series of nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent DCR. Functional success defined as Munk score 0 & 1 & anatomical success as free irrigation at followup.ABT performed by putting antibiotic drops into eye& asking patient to exhale while keeping nose & mouth closed. Formation of bubbles at punctum considered as positive test. Specificity, sensitivity, positive & negative predictive values calculated.
 Results: There were 103 DCR in 97 patients(23 male,74 female)with mean age 45.56 yr. Anatomical and functional success was 99.02% & 98.05%, respectively.ABT showed sensitivity 96.07%, specificity 100% for anatomical success after DCR. Sensitivity and specificity were 97.02% & 100% for functional success.
 Conclusion: As non-invasive procedure ABT is a good tool to assess success of DCR, though lacrimal syringing remains the gold standard.
 Keywords: Anatomical, Dacryocystorhinostomy & Air Bubble Test.