Preferred practice patterns in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy among oculoplastic surgeons in Asia-Pacific region

The aim of this study is to report the preferred practice patterns in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) among oculoplastic surgeons practicing in the Asia-Pacific region.

A detailed survey with 40 questions was electronically disseminated among oculoplastic surgeons practicing in Asia-Pacific region. The mailing list included targeted members of the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and nonmembers from the contact directories of the two senior authors. Data collected include demographics, training, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes.

The majority of surgeons performed a preoperative nasal endoscopy (76.2%, total respondents (n) = 122), and most preferred a general anesthesia for endoscopic DCRs (51.9%, n = 104). The majority of surgeons believed in preserving nasal mucosal and the lacrimal sac flaps and adjunctive endoscopic procedures were performed when required (58.4%, n = 101). Routine lacrimal sac wall biopsy for histopathology was not a preferred practice. The practice of routine silicone intubation was more common than the use of topical adjunctive. The majority of surgeons (52.6%, n = 97) took 31-60 minutes to complete a unilateral endoscopic DCR. Postoperative routine nasal douching and ostium cleaning were not widespread practices. The self-reported outcomes were good.

A significantly high percentage of oculoplastic surgeons from Asia-Pacific perform endoscopic DCR. Although the range of practice patterns is wide, there is increasing uniformity in surgical techniques with regard to endoscopic DCR as compared to the previous surveys.