Naso-lacrimal duct balloon dilatation: medium to long term follow-up

Subjective patient response to nasolacrimal duct balloon dilatation (dacryocystoplasty) for epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), was sought over the medium to long term. The relevant dacryocystograms were reviewed to assess the relationship between treatment outcome and dacryocystographic appearances.

Sixty-three patients who had, in the preceding 12-month to 8-year period, undergone 102 dacryocystoplasties were sent a postal questionnaire in which subjective response to treatment was requested. Fifty-seven original dacryocystograms were reviewed by the author and the appearances of the lacrimal sacs subjectively assessed.

The results showed that in 31% of respondents (total response 48/63, 76%) dacryocystoplasty was ineffective for treatment of PANDO. Treatment failures did not respond to repeat treatment. Sixty-nine per cent of patients considered themselves either cured or improved by the treatment, with a minimal relapse rate during the period studied. The original dacryocystoplasty appearances were unhelpful in predicting treatment response.

Dacryocystoplasty can be expected to relieve or improve epiphora in 69% patients with PANDO, (incomplete obstruction) and favourable response to treatment is durable in the medium to long term. Repeat treatment is not recommended for those who fail to respond, though may be appropriate for cases of temporary response. The technique is safe and well tolerated. McCullough, K. M. (2001). Clinical Radiology56, 13-16.