Retrospective Study of 861 Cases of Endoscopic Endonasal DCR : Our Experience

Abstract

AIM: To focus on difficulties in endoscopic endonasal DCR, to improve the final outcome of endoscopic endonasal DCR. To elaborate the steps this will avoid recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents retrospective study of 861 cases that underwent Endoscopic endonasal DCR between Oct 2004 and Nov 2011. The patients operated were in the age group from 5 years to 94 years. The cases of lacrimal abscesses were tackled by endo DCR which gave a substantial advantage over the conventional external approach by avoiding a scar. The stenting of the canalicular system was restricted to the situations where the patency of the lacrimal canaliculi was absent and the sac syringing done on operation table showed no fluid coming from the new stoma due to the blocked canaliculi or fibrosis of lacrimal sac. The stent used was silicon bicanalicular lacrimal intubation set. CONCLUSIONS: Local anaesthesia preferred over general anaesthesia as it has less bleeding and less morbidity. Endoscopic DCR avoids scar of external approach. Coexistent sinonasal disease can be tackled at same sitting. Adequate marsupialization of sac mucosa is key for avoiding recurrence.