[Lacrimal duct endoscopy with the rigid GRIN endoscopy]

Endoscopes play a more and more important role in visualizing and treating pathologies of the lacrimal drainage system. The present study analyzes the results obtained during endoscopy of the lacrimal ducts using a gradient-index (GRIN-) endoscope.

44 patients, 18 to 87 years old (mean 59 years +/- 18.9), with chronic epiphora or symptoms of affection within the lacrimal ducts were examined using a rigid gradient-index (GRIN-) endoscope. Examination was performed ambulatory using drops for local anesthesia.

All 44 patients showed pathologic conditions in the lacrimal drainage system. 2 patients had chronic changes. 25 patients had a relative stenosis (16 presaccal, 9 postcanalicular ones). 17 patients had a total stenosis (12 presaccal, 5 postcanalicular ones). 33 patients showed a single-sided pathology while 11 patients showed a bilateral one. The GRIN-endoscope could be used in all patients and gave excellent image quality of the pathologies.

Endoscopy with a GRIN-endoscope can complement the ambulatory diagnostics and therapy of the lacrimal drainage system. In the patient group studied (n = 44), presaccal pathologies (n = 28) were twice more frequent than postcanalicular ones (n = 14). Further developments could enlarge the indications of the GRIN-endoscope.