Postoperative haemorrhage in powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

The rate of postoperative haemorrhage has been reported inconsistently in retrospective studies of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy but has not been evaluated prospectively with the powered endoscopic technique. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of postoperative haemorrhage in patients undergoing powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

A prospective, single-surgeon, observational case series.

Cases 18 years old or more were included if they presented with radiologically confirmed primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Exclusion criteria included evidence of canalicular disease, ectropion or facial palsy, and previous surgery on the lacrimal drainage system. One hundred seventy-four cases fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The mean age of patients was 62.9 years, 65% were female.

Powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Postoperative haemorrhage. Significant haemorrhage was defined as that which necessitated packing, cautery, surgical intervention, a blood transfusion or delayed discharge.

The rates of total and significant postoperative haemorrhage were 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Antithrombotic agents were ceased on a case-by-case basis according to physician recommendation. Aspirin was stopped in 4 of 16 patients taking this agent preoperatively, and warfarin was stopped in one of three patients.

Significant postoperative haemorrhage following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is rare. Further studies are required to assess whether antithrombotic agents significantly increase the risk of bleeding. The decision to cease agents should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a physician.