Treatment of complete and partial obstruction of the nasolacrimal system with polyurethane stents: initial experience.

PURPOSE

To present our experience in the treatment of nasolacrimal occlusion by means of polyurethane stents.

METHODS

Forty polyurethane stents were placed under fluoroscopic guidance in 35 consecutive patients with epiphora due to total or partial obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. The set designed by Song was used in all patients. The procedure was performed by introducing a guidewire through the superior punctum into the canaliculus and advancing it across the obstruction into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. After pulling out the guidewire, the stent was advanced in retrograde fashion and released into the sac and the nasolacrimal duct.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. The average time for the procedure was 25 min (range 10-60 min). Immediate complications were: mild pain (n = 5), severe pain (n = 1), minimal epistaxis (n = 7), and moderate epistaxis (n = 1). No major complications occurred. The last clinical control revealed complete resolution of epiphora in 35 eyes and partial resolution in four; one patient did not improve.

CONCLUSION

This technique for treatment of obstruction of the nasolacrimal system is simple and safe, and may obviate the use of more invasive procedures.