External dacryocystorhinostomy conventional surgery versus Pawar implant: A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Chronic dacryocystitis significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a well-established, cost-effective surgical intervention.
• Comparing surgical techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and efficacy of conventional external DCR versus external DCR utilizing a Pawar silicone implant.
• To evaluate surgical duration and success rates between the two techniques.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, comparative, interventional case series involving 65 patients with chronic dacryocystitis.
• Patients were randomly assigned to conventional external DCR (n=33) or external DCR with Pawar implant (n=32).
• Surgical success was objectively measured by sac patency on syringing at the last follow-up.

Main Results:

• The mean surgical duration for Pawar implant DCR (75.5 minutes) was significantly longer than conventional external DCR (27.7 minutes) (P < 0.01).
• Initial success rates were 90% for conventional external DCR and 91% for Pawar implant DCR.
• Post-management success rates improved to 97% and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• External DCR using a Pawar implant is a safe surgical option for chronic dacryocystitis.
• While Pawar implant DCR is associated with a longer operative time, it demonstrates comparable success rates to conventional external DCR.
• Both techniques offer high success rates in managing chronic dacryocystitis.