[Lacrimal duct stent for nasolacrimal duct obstruction].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a new interventional procedure using lacrimal duct stent for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy and observed its intra- and post-operative complications and management.

METHODS

102 cases (136 eyes) of nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent the lacrimal duct stent placement, the nasolacrimal duct was dilated and the stent was placed retrograde. Digital subtraction dacryocystography was performed before and after the stent placement.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in 132 eyes, and the technical success rate was 97.1%. Good flow of contrast medium was obtained in all patients after stenting. Three months postoperatively, the success rate was 99.2%. After twelve months of follow-up, the success rate was 91.4%. The intra-and post-operative complications included stenting failure, transient hemorrhage and obstruction of the stent.

CONCLUSION

Interventional procedure using lacrimal duct stent is a safe, simple and effective method for nasolacrimal duct obstruction without disturbing the normal anatomy.