Primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as treatment for acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation

The aim of this study is to analyze the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as treatment modality for acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation.

A total of 11 patients presenting with acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation during the period from April 2003 to December 2005 were treated with primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy under antibiotic cover. These were followed up for 1 year.

A total of 11 patients were studied (mean age, 43.4 years), 2 males and 9 females with complaint of pain and swelling around the medial side of eye and adjoining facial tissue. A history of chronic epiphora and recurrent nasolacrimal infections was present in all the patients. Resolution of signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis occurred in all the patients. During the follow-up period of 1 year, no patient reported signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis. Subjective success rate (assessed by absence of epiphora) was 72.7%. Objective success rate was 81.8% (assessed by lacrimal irrigation).

Primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is an effective treatment in cases of acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation. Preexisting symptoms of epiphora and recurrent nasolacrimal infections are also relieved in most patients.