Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy following radioactive iodine thyroid ablation

Abstract

This article evaluates the efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (eDCR) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in patients exposed to radioactive iodine (RAI) for treatment of thyroid carcinoma. Retrospective chart review of 7 eDCR procedures was performed on 6 patients, aged 18 or older, with prior RAI treatment, who underwent eDCR between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 for treatment of epiphora due to NLDO. Average time to tube removal was 159 days, and average follow-up was 341 days. One patient noted complete epiphora relief at the time of their final visit. Partial symptom relief was noted by 3 patients, and recurrent epiphora was noted by 2 patients. In complex patients with RAI-associated NLDO, eDCR may be a reasonable option for relief of epiphora. Appropriate counseling, including the risks of incomplete symptom relief and need for additional surgery, should be discussed pre-operatively with these patients.