Nasolacrimal polyurethane stent placement: preliminary results
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Updated: Sep 29, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
M F Perena1, J Castillo, J Medrano
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano-Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain. FranPerena@terra.es
Purpose:
To present our initial results in the treatment of nasolacrimal obstruction by placing a polyurethane stent.
Methods:
74 nasolacrimal stents were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance in obstructed nasolacrimal systems of 64 patients. Dacryocystography and CT were used to verify the position and patency of the stents. Mean follow-up was 15 months. Clinical examinations were done at the first week, first month, third month and sixth month after stent placement.
Results:
Polyurethane stents were successfully inserted and permeable in 59 patients (92.1%), but could not be inserted in 5 patients (7.8%). Epiphora was solved and permeable in 53 cases (82.8%), it was not permeable but asymptomatic in 2 cases (3.1%), and was not permeable but symptomatic in 4 (6.2%). In 5 cases (7.8%) stents remained permeable although patients complained of epiphora.
Conclusions:
Polyurethane stent placement is a non-invasive technique that can replace dacryocystorhinostomy, giving better results and tolerance.
