External Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Functional Nasolacrimal Drainage Obstruction

To determine the outcome and long-term efficacy of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) with or without bicanalicular silicon intubation in patients with functional nasolacrimal drainage obstruction (FNLDO).

Patients with epiphora and patent lacrimal systems on nasolacrimal irrigation were prospectively enrolled in the study. Each patient was assessed with lacrimal scintigraphy to differentiate drainage abnormalities as presac (proximal) or postsac (distal) delays. All patients underwent ext-DCR; bicanalicular silicone intubation was performed only in presac delay cases. On follow-up examinations patients were asked to report their symptoms as none, mild, moderate or unchanged. Success was defined as lacrimal patency to irrigation and no or mild epiphora at the end of the follow-up period.

Twenty-six lacrimal systems of 23 patients were eligible for inclusion. There were 9 presac delay and 17 postsac delay cases. Average follow-up time was 72.85 weeks (47-88 weeks). A successful outcome was achieved in 76.9% of the operated lacrimal systems. Success rate was 55.5% among presac obstructions and 88.2% among postsac obstructions.

The long-term efficacy of ext-DCR in FNLDO patients is confirmed with our overall successful outcome of 76.9%. In preoperative assessment, lacrimal scintigraphy is helpful to determine the surgical approach and to predict the surgical outcome.