External Dacryocystorhinostomy: outcomes after the introduction of two new forceps and transnasal endoscopy.

BACKGROUND

There are few lacrimal surgeons in the field of clinical Ophthalmology, while the number of patients with an obstruction of tear duct increases. The success rate for the external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) procedure is approximately 90%. The outcome of external DCR using two new forceps and postoperative transnasal endoscopy was studied.

MATERIAL/METHODS: 93 consecutive patients (100 cases) underwent external DCR. Two new forceps (a DCR slide forceps and a cleaning forceps in the nasal cavity) were used, and transnasal endoscopic examination postoperatively was done. The relatively small cutaneous incision (12-15 mm) was done. Two new forceps were used during and after the DCR procedure.

RESULTS

All the cases showed round or oval ostia and patency on irrigation. Some amount of discharge adherent to the STs was observed in each case within one week after the external DCR procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The transnasal endoscopic examination performed postoperatively and the use of the two new forceps were of value for increasing the success rate of external DCR.