Evaluation of dacryocystorhinostomy failure with computed tomography and computed tomographic dacryocystography

Five patients with dacryocystorhinostomy failures were examined with computed tomography or computed tomographic dacryocystography. In computed tomographic dacryocystography, radiopaque dye was instilled into the lacrimal sac before computed tomography to show its shape, location, and relation to surrounding structures. Problems with the bony ostium were detected in all five patients. Recurrent nasal polyposis, a retained metallic clip, and an unresected ethmoid air cell were also identified. Computed tomography and computed tomographic dacryocystography provided important information that facilitated reoperation after dacryocystorhinostomy failure.