Endoscopic ultrasonic dacryocystorhinostomy: clinical profile and outcomes

Ultrasonic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (UEnDCR) is emerging alternative modality of managing nasolacrimal duct obstructions. The aim of this study was to report the clinical profile and outcomes with a UEnDCR with mitomycin C and silicone intubation. Prospective interventional case series performed on all consecutive patients undergoing an ultrasonic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy over a 1-year period from September 2013 to October 2014. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (MJA). Data collected include demographics, presentation, indications for surgery, past interventions, intraoperative and post-operative complications and outcomes. The main outcome measures were anatomical and functional success of the surgery. 44 procedures were performed in 41 patients. The mean age was 31.6 years. Children with complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions refractory to probing and intubation accounted for 17 % (7/41) of the cohort. Past history of acute dacryocystitis was noted in 35.6 % (15/41). Two patients (4.9 %, 2/41) had failed external DCR. A minimal follow-up of 6 months following surgery was taken for final analysis. Complications included intraoperative focal epithelial burn in one patient that healed spontaneously and post-operative ostium granulomas in 15.9 % (7/44) of the ostia. At the 6-month follow-up, anatomical and functional successes were noted in 93.1 % (41/44) and 88.6 % (39/44), respectively. Ultrasonic dacryocystorhinostomy is a safe and effective alternative modality in the management of nasolacrimal duct obstructions in pediatric and adult age groups. Setup was easy and no additional technical difficulties were observed.