Acute dacryocystitis: changing practice pattern over the last three decades at a tertiary care setup.

AIM: To compare the demographics, clinical features, and changes in the management pattern of acute dacryocystitis at a tertiary care eye institute. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of electronic medical records of all patients diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis from January 2013 to January 2023. Data retrieved include demographics, history, presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms, surgical interventions, associated systemic conditions, management, complications, and outcomes. A successful anatomical outcome was defined as patency on lacrimal irrigation, and a successful functional outcome was defined as the resolution of infection and epiphora. The data parameters obtained were compared with the historical published data of the earlier two decades from the same Institute. RESULTS: A total of 363 eyes of 349 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The median age was 45 years (range: 19-94 years). There were 216 (62%) females and 133 (38%) males. Surgery was performed in 320 (88%) patients. Needle aspiration or incision and drainage were performed in 102(32%) patients with lacrimal abscesses. Of the 320 patients, an endoscopic DCR was performed in 138 (43%) patients and an external DCR in 182 (57%). Of the 320 patients who underwent DCR surgery, 308 (96%) demonstrated anatomical and functional success at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: There is a changing trend towards endoscopic DCR being incorporated as the primary procedure for managing acute dacryocystitis with the advantages of quicker resolution and reduced morbidity. There is a trend for choosing needle aspiration over the traditional incision and drainage in the initial management of lacrimal abscess.

Lacrimal Sac Characteristics in Patients With Punctal and Canalicular Agenesis: Punctum Update (PUP) Study-Paper 3.

PURPOSE: To explore the endoscopic and histopathologic characteristics of the lacrimal sac (LS) and the nasolacrimal duct in cases with punctal agenesis presenting with LS swellings. METHODS: This is a prospective, interventional study of 13 LSs of 8 patients presenting with punctal agenesis and LS swellings over a 5-year study period (June 2018-July 2023). Complete ophthalmic examination was performed along with CT scans of the orbits. The LS was exposed with an anterior lacrimal crest incision and explored. The exterior and interior of the sac swelling were examined and LS flaps were sent for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 23 years with a male:female ratio of 5:3. All patients presented with swelling in the LS region. Occasional epiphora was the presenting feature in 6 patients. All patients had both upper and lower punctal agenesis on the affected side with associated LS swelling. CT scans showed a hypodense cystic swelling with expansion of the LS fossa and bony nasolacrimal duct ending abruptly short of the inferior meatus. Intraoperatively, the LS had thin, translucent walls with mucoid secretion and an absence of common canalicular opening. Histopathological analysis showed epithelium consistent with LS with less robust development of the sac walls and poorly structured lacrimal drainage-associated lymphoid tissue with scanty stromal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The development of LS and the nasolacrimal duct is structurally affected in patients with punctal agenesis. Retrograde approaches for epiphora resolution are not logical in such cases but conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube can be a feasible option.

Lacrimal gland targeted therapies for refractory epiphora: quantitative changes in the gland activity.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of botulinum toxin (BTX) and partial orbital lobe dacryoadenectomy (POLD) on the main lacrimal gland functions using the direct assessment of its secretory activity. METHODS: A pilot study involving 14 subjects (mean age, 42.16 years) with proximal bicanalicular block (n = 9) or complete punctal effacement (n = 5) received either intraglandular 2.5 units of BTX (n = 7) or underwent the POLD procedure (n = 7). Dynamic assessment of tear secretion from the palpebral lobes was performed as per standard protocols. The parameters studied included Schirmer I, changes in the glandular outflow, and the neurosensory secretory lag. RESULTS: Schirmer I values showed a mean reduction of 5.25 mm (range, 2-8 mm) following BTX injection, and mean tear flow decreased from 1.46 µl/min to 1.11 µl/min (P = 0.15). The POLD group showed a significant mean reduction of 0.45 µl/min in mean tear flow at 1 month (P = 0.03) and 0.32 µl/min at 3 months of follow-up (P = 0.20). However, there was no statistically significant change of the Schirmer values in the POLD group at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Direct assessment of lacrimal gland function can be used to monitor changes following the gland therapies. Although POLD shows a significant reduction in short term, significant surgical improvisation would be needed for it to be effective in long term. A larger study is ongoing to further our understanding.

Caruncle and plica hypertrophy causing mechanical secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstruction: - SALDO update study (SUP) - paper I.

PURPOSE: To exclusively report the clinical category of mechanical secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO) secondary to the caruncle and plica hypertrophy. METHODS: Prospective interventional case series involving 10 consecutive eyes with megalocaruncle and plica hypertrophy were enrolled in the study. All patients presented with epiphora secondary to a demonstratable mechanical obstruction of the puncta. All patients underwent high magnification slit-lamp photography and Fourier-domain ocular coherence tomography scans (FD-OCT) of the tear meniscus height (TMH) pre- and post-operatively at 1-month and 3-months. Caruncle and plica size, position, and their relationship to the puncta were noted. All patients underwent partial carunculectomy. Primary outcome measures were demonstrable resolution of the mechanical obstruction of the puncta and the reduction in the tear meniscus height. The secondary outcome measure was the subjective improvement of the epiphora. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67 years (range: 63-72 years). The average TMH was 843.1 (range: 345-2049) microns pre-operatively and 195.1(91-379) microns at 1-month follow-up. All patients reported significant subjective improvement in epiphora at 6-months follow-up. One patient had bilateral granuloma at the surgical site at two weeks and was managed by simple excision and topical tapering steroids. Histopathology revealed hyperplastic epithelium with goblet cells with chronic inflammatory cells in the sub-epithelial region and the stroma. CONCLUSION: The role of the caruncle in the causation of mechanical SALDO needs to be carefully assessed in patients beyond the sixth decade. Excellent objective and subjective outcomes can be achieved by a partial carunculectomy and plica semilunaris excision.

Post-traumatic canalicular fistula: description and review of literature - SALDO update study (SUP) - paper II.

PURPOSE: To discuss the clinical spectrum and management strategies in patients with post-traumatic canalicular fistula (PTCF). METHODS: Retrospective, interventional case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with PTCF over a 6-year study period between June 2016 and June 2022. The demographics, mode of injury, location, and communication of the canalicular fistula were noted. The outcomes of several management modalities including dacryocystorhinostomy, lacrimal gland therapies, and conservative approaches were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven cases with PTCF over the study period were included. The mean age at presentation was 23.5 years (range: 6-71 years), with male: female ratio of 8:3. The median time interval between trauma to presentation at the Dacryology clinic was 3 years (range: 1 week to 12 years). Seven had iatrogenic trauma and four had the canalicular fistula following primary trauma. Management modalities pursued include conservative approach for minimal symptoms, and dacryocystorhinostomy, dacryocystectomy, and lacrimal gland botulinum toxin injection. The mean follow-up period was 30 months (range: 3-months-6 years). CONCLUSION: PTCF is a complex lacrimal condition and the management of the PTCF needs a tailored approach guided by its nature and location and patient symptomatology.

Age-Related Changes in the Lacrimal Punctum Morphology in a Normal Population: Punctum Update (PUP) Study-Paper 1.

PURPOSE: To define the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) morphology of the lacrimal punctum and assess the age-related changes across 8 decades of life in a normal population. METHODS: A total of 1310 high-magnification slit-lamp, Fourier-domain OCT (FD-OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images were obtained from 320 puncta of normal asymptomatic individuals representing the Indian population. The punctum and peri-punctal area were defined with the help of 2 rims (inner punctal rim and outer punctal rim ) and 3 zones (white zone [Wz], separation zone [Sz], and peri-punctal vascularity). FD-OCT images were used to measure the external punctal diameters and internal lacrimal punctal diameters and the reflectivity patterns of the 3 punctal layers. OCTA was used to assess the branching and extent of vascular networks. RESULTS: The upper puncta were narrower and more circular than the lower puncta across the decades. The elevation of the punctal papilla began in the upper puncta in the fifth decade, involved the lower puncta in the sixth decade, and gradually became exaggerated by the eighth decade. A typical punctal narrowing in previously wide puncta began to appear in the sixth decade of life, peaks in the seventh decade, and reverses gradually and spontaneously by the end of the eighth decade of life. The third and fourth decades saw a narrowing of the Sz with prominent vascularity crossing the Sz to reach the Wz. The Sz became indistinct in the fifth and sixth decades of life. The FD-OCT showed gradual thickening and dominance of the fibrous layer from the fifth to eighth decade of life. The clinical vascularity in the peri-punctal region increases from the third decade onwards, with vascular networks becoming increasingly dense, intricate, and branched as the age progresses. CONCLUSION: The present study defined and characterized the involutional changes in a normal population's first-eighth decades of life. Significant morphological changes were noticed across the different age groups with several clinical implications.

Atypical presentation of punctal keratin cyst: an underdiagnosed entity.

Punctal keratin cyst (PKC) is a rare disorder believed to be due to ectasia of the vertical canaliculus. The etiopathogenesis of this disorder is very poorly understood due to the paucity of literature. To the best of authors' knowledge, only two cases of punctal keratin cyst have been described earlier, which presented as cystic lesions. The authors report four cases of punctal keratin cyst which differ in clinical presentation and also describe the anterior segment ocular tomography features, which aids in recognition and diagnosis of this rare disorder. The key message of the article is that lack of a defined cyst on clinical examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) cannot rule out the presence of a PKC. A combination of clinical, radiology, and histopathology are confirmative of the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the subsequent outcomes with membranotomy and keratin curettage are excellent.

Endoscopic and radiological evidence refuting intra-abscess septae.

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of septae within the lacrimal abscess and to explore simple aspiration as an alternative to the traditional management by incision and drainage. METHODS: Prospective, interventional pilot study involved eight lacrimal sac abscesses of eight patients over a period of three months. All patients underwent a pre-operative MRI with surface coils followed by aspiration of the abscess (n = 4) or incision and drainage of the abscess (n = 4). An intra-sac endoscopic evaluation was performed during the abscess drainage. Primary outcome measures - presence or absence of septae on MRI scan images and endoscopic evaluation of the abscess cavity. Secondary outcome measures - relief from pain and symptoms following aspiration and anatomical patency following definitive management. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent either aspiration (n = 4) or incision and drainage of the abscess (n = 4). Mean age of the patients 43.3 years and male to female ratio was 1:1. Left eye involvement was more common (Right: left = 1:3). Average duration of acute symptoms - 3.75 days. High resolution MRI showed a well- defined abscess cavity with few undulations which on endoscopic evaluation correlated with oedematous mucosal folds. There was absence of a loculi or septae within the abscess cavity. Definitive surgery in the form of endoscopic DCR was performed for all the patients with post-operative FICI grading was +5. CONCLUSION: The present study refutes the presence of septae within the abscess cavity and proposes aspiration of the lacrimal sac abscess as a minimally invasive procedure with minimal logistics and a shallow learning curve.

Histopathological Evidence of Canalicular Agenesis in Patients With Punctal Agenesis: Punctum Update Study 2.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to histologically assess the presence and extent of the canalicular tissue in cases of punctal agenesis. METHODS: A prospective, interventional study was performed on 10 consecutive cases of punctal agenesis over a study period of 6 months. Exclusion criteria included cases with punctal dysgenesis or incomplete punctal canalization, secondary/acquired cases of punctal effacement, or any prior interventions. Following the exploration, the entire specimen of the tissue (length = 8 mm and depth = 3 mm) was sent for histopathological analysis to ascertain the presence and extent of the canalicular tissue. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of exploration was 7.5 years (range 6-10 years). Histopathological analysis showed tissue surfaces lined with stratified squamous epithelium with occasional interspersed goblets cells (conjunctival epithelium), a few chronic inflammatory cells, and muscle fragments. Epithelium suggestive of proximal lacrimal drainage system was absent. Canalicular tissues were found to be absent in all cases of punctal agenesis. CONCLUSION: The present series did not find any histologic evidence of canalicular tissues in cases of punctal agenesis. The findings of this study do not support retrograde approaches in cases of punctal agenesis.

Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Update Study (CUP Study): Paper 4-Infantile Acute Dacryocystitis (InAD)-Presentation, Management, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To study the presentation, management, and outcomes of infantile acute dacryocystitis. METHODS: Retrospective study of infants diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis over a period from June 2016 to December 2019. Data collected include demographics, clinical history, presenting features, management, complications, and outcomes. Treatment provided was intensive medical care followed by early probing under endoscopic guidance. Further interventions, where needed, were performed based on intraoperative findings during probing. Successful outcomes were defined as resolution of infection, subjective relief from epiphora, and anatomical patency determined by a normal fluorescein dye disappearance test. RESULTS: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 infants were analyzed during the study period. The mean age of infants was 3.26 months, and males were more affected than females (male:female 15:12). The mean duration of symptoms was 4.66 weeks, with 96% (26/27) presenting with symptoms of redness, watering, discharge, and swelling. Preseptal cellulitis was seen in 74% (20/27) infants, lacrimal abscess in 67% (18/27) infants, and lacrimal fistula in 37% (10/27). Most infants had complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (62%, 13/27), of which 7 also had intranasal cysts. One infant successfully underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. At a mean follow-up period of 7.95 months, successful outcomes were observed in 90.4% (19/21) infants. The 2 failed cases were complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with associated sac diverticula and are scheduled for an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. CONCLUSION: Infantile acute dacryocystitis is a distinct clinical entity. The outcomes of systemic antibiotics and early probing are excellent.

Update on the Long-Term Outcomes Following the Management of Incomplete Punctal Canalization.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical profile, associated lacrimal disorders, and long-term outcomes following a membranotomy, in patients with incomplete punctal canalization (IPC). METHODS: Retrospective interventional study was performed of all the patients diagnosed with IPC during the study period over 5 years from January 2015 to December 2020. The diagnosis of IPC was made based on the earlier published guidelines. A combination of rapid and slow taper Nettleship's punctal dilators were used for an effective membranotomy, followed by further assessment of the lacrimal drainage passage. Appropriate interventions for associated lacrimal disorders were performed. Data collected on chart reviews include demographics, clinical presentation, laterality, type of IPC, associated lacrimal anomalies, management modalities, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-eight puncta of 62 eyes of 46 patients with IPC were examined in the clinic. Incomplete punctal canalization-external membrane variant was seen in 62% (61/98) and internal membrane variant in 38% (37/98). Seventy-eight puncta (78/98, 79.5%) in 39 patients underwent membranotomy using Nettleship's punctal dilator. Associated lacrimal drainage pathway deformities were seen in 31% of patients (12/39). Three puncta had mini-monoka insertion for associated canalicular stenosis and canalicular obstruction. Five patients with associated congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent probing, of which 3 patients needed dacryocystorhinostomy for complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Associated punctal agenesis was noted in 3 patients involving the other punctum of the same eye. Canalicular wall hypoplasia involving 3 walls of the canaliculus was seen in 1 patient. At a mean follow up of 28 months, the anatomical and functional outcomes were noted in 100% and 97.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of membranotomy for IPC are excellent. Associated congenital lacrimal drainage anomalies are common with IPC.

Lacrimal drainage anomalies in 3p deletion syndrome.

3p deletion syndrome or deletion 3p25-pter syndrome is an exceptionally rare genetic disorder characterized by deletion of the distal segment of the short arm of chromosome 3. There are less than a hundred reported cases worldwide. Clinical characteristics include severe physical and mental retardation, trigonocephaly, micrognathia, and diffuse hypotonia. The common ocular manifestations include congenital ptosis and canthal anomalies. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no lacrimal drainage anomalies have been reported earlier. The present case describes proximal lacrimal drainage anomalies in a patient with 3p deletion syndrome. The patient was successfully managed with membranotomy and punctal and canalicular dilatation, resulting in a complete resolution of epiphora.

Acquired lacrimal fistula: classification and management.

PURPOSE: To classify the acquired lacrimal fistulae (ALF) and assess the outcomes following surgical management. METHODS: Retrospective, interventional study of all patients presenting with ALF over a 3.5-year period was performed. The fistulae were classified based on photographic evidence with respect to their location, size and nature. Primary outcome measures were complete healing of the fistulous opening and resolution of discharge or leakage from it. Secondary outcome measures were resolution of epiphora and patency of the lacrimal drainage system. RESULTS: 84 eyes of 82 patients who had acquired lacrimal fistulae were analysed. The mean duration of the fistulae presence was 10.12 months. The etiology of ALF was spontaneous following lacrimal abscess rupture in 79 eyes and was secondary to incision and drainage in the remaining 5 eyes. Thirty eyes had fistulectomy along with definitive surgery for the associated nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), 15 eyes underwent definitive surgery without an additional fistulectomy and 4 fistulae healed spontaneously prior to intervention for NLDO. The resolution of ALF did not differ in between those who underwent fistulectomy versus those who did not. The exceptions were 2 chronic large fistulae with cutaneous lining which needed a definite fistulectomy for resolution along with surgery for NLDO. CONCLUSION: Most of the acquired fistulae heal by themselves irrespective of the nature, size and location and need no additional treatment in the form of fistulectomy. However, this is not true for those that are large and have a cutaneous lining.

Lacrimal drainage anomalies in Pierre Robin sequence.

Pierre-Robin sequence consists of a classical triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. The common ocular manifestations include congenital glaucoma, high myopia, maculopathy, and retinal detachment. Except for a mention of a nasolacrimal duct obstruction without many details, lacrimal drainage anomalies have not been reported earlier to the best of the authors' knowledge. The present case describes several lacrimal drainage anomalies including supernumerary puncta, canalicular wall hypoplasia, grossly dilated nasolacrimal duct, and complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a patient of Pierre Robin sequence. The patient was successfully managed with endoscopic guided probing and marsupialization of the large intranasal cyst resulting in a complete resolution of epiphora.

Update on Idiopathic Canalicular Inflammatory Disease (ICID): Outcomes With Addition of Topical Cyclosporine and the Modified Treatment Protocol.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to present clinical outcomes with addition of topical cyclosporine while managing cases of "idiopathic canalicular inflammatory disease" and to propose a modified treatment protocol. METHODS: Prospective case series of 88 canaliculi of 44 eyes of 22 patients diagnosed as "idiopathic canalicular inflammatory disease" at a tertiary care Dacryology service over a period of 2 years. All the patients were diagnosed based on the published major and minor criteria and each of the canaliculus was clinically staged. All patients were treated initially with a combination of topical cyclosporine (0.05%) and rapidly tapering topical steroids followed by punctal dilatation and placement of mini-monoka stents after control of inflammation. Monoka stents were extubated at 6 weeks and the cyclosporine was continued for at least up to 3 months beyond the extubation of stents. Patient demographics, investigations, response to cyclosporine, management modalities, recurrence of inflammation, anatomical and functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-eight canaliculi were diagnosed to have idiopathic canalicular inflammatory disease during the study period. There was a female preponderance (77%, 17/22) and the mean age at presentation was 51 years. All patients presented with bilateral epiphora (mean duration 4.5 months) without any discharge. Staging revealed 18, 27, 24, and 19 canaliculi were involved with stages 1-4, respectively. The mean duration of cyclosporine use was 5.7 months. All patients except 3 (19/22) underwent monoka dilatation. Complete anatomical and functional resolution were noted in 62% (55/88), of which 12 puncta and canaliculi, all stage 1 (13.6%, 12/88) showed complete resolution with cyclosporine alone. Relentless disease progression to stage 5 was noted in 30% (26/88) of the puncta and canaliculi. All the younger patients (<30 years, 13.6%, 3/22) demonstrated poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of topical cyclosporine is beneficial in controlling inflammation and disease downstaging in patients with idiopathic canalicular inflammatory disease. The current modified treatment protocol salvages majority of the canaliculi.

Cerebral palsy and associated complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and pediatric acute dacryocystitis.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a congenital syndrome with systemic manifestations secondary to a non-progressive lesion of the immature brain. It is associated with numerous cerebral and non-cerebral malformations. The present report describes a 2-year-old baby with spastic CP, diplegic type, associated with congenital cardiac malformations and right eye complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) (bony nasolacrimal duct stenosis and buried probe) requiring endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and left eye simple CNLDO which resolved on probing the system. This report also lays emphasis on the need for examination of the lacrimal drainage system in all patients with CP, so as to treat them appropriately and reduce the morbidity.

Punctal pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia mimicking a mass lesion.

A 46-year-old lady presented with progressively growing mass from the inner side of the right upper eyelid. The mass was elevated, pinkish with surface vessels, engulfing the puncta. Careful evaluation revealed a patent punctal opening. Excision biopsy of the mass was carried out. Histopathology showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with few inflammatory cells. We describe a case of punctal pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia masquerading as a punctal granuloma or papilloma.

Multiple lacrimal drainage anomalies in proboscis lateralis.

Proboscis lateralis is an exceptionally rare congenital anomaly characterized mostly by a nose-like tubular appendage, ipsilateral deformed nose and ocular anomalies, believed to be secondary to fusion defects involving the embryonic maxillary process. To the best of authors' knowledge, only one report with some description of the lacrimal drainage anomalies in proboscis lateralis exists in literature and the present case describes these anomaliesin detail.

Lacrimal drainage system involvement in Peters anomaly: clinical features and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To present first of its kind series on the clinical features and outcomes of lacrimal drainage disorders in Peters anomaly and Peters plus syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all consecutive patients who were known cases of Peters anomaly or Peters plus anomaly and were diagnosed with associated congenital lacrimal drainage disorders. The study period was from June 2016 to Dec 2020. All these patients underwent examination under anaesthesia for a detailed assessment of lacrimal drainage anomalies. Where indicated, they were treated with probing, intubation, or in refractory patients with a dacryocystorhinostomy. The anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 282 patients with Peters anomaly, 4 (1.4%) patients had associated lacrimal drainage system anomalies while of the 16 Peters plus anomaly children, 3 (18.75%) had associated lacrimal drainage system anomalies. A total of 12 lacrimal drainage systems of 12 eyes of 7 patients of Peters anomaly were found to be involved. Upper or lower punctal agenesis were noted in 3 eyes. Three eyes had complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), two of which had a bony NLD block and one had a misdirected nasolacrimal duct through the inferior turbinate. One eye had a diffuse NLD stenosis without a CNLDO. Following appropriate management, at a mean follow-up of 25.7 months (range: 3-48 months), all the eyes except one (91%, 10/11) demonstrated anatomical and functional success. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal drainage involvement was more common in Peters plus syndrome. Multiple proximal and distal lacrimal drainage segment anomalies were noted in all the variants of Peters anomaly; however, Peters plus syndrome was noted to usually involve both the segments.

Radiofrequency-Assisted Endofistulectomy: Treating Coexisting Lacrimal Fistulae During Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of radiofrequency-assisted endofistulectomy in patients with lacrimal fistulae communicating with the lacrimal sac. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series of patients undergoing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with endofistulectomy from June 2016 to January 2020 were studied. The indications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy were associated refractory complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions and primary-acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The communication of the fistulae with the lacrimal sac was ascertained. Specific surgical parameters and technique were used, and the variables assessed include patient demographics, clinical presentation, indications, surgical technique, recurrences, and outcomes. RESULTS: Six eyes of 6 patients with mean age of 23.33 years underwent radiofrequency-assisted endofistulectomy. The surgical technique was found to be minimally invasive, easy to perform with multiple advantages like absence of a skin incision, targeting of the complete extent of the fistula, and complete closure of the external and internal openings of the fistulae. At 4 weeks, dacryocystorhinostomy ostium was well mucosalized and patent with a dynamic common canalicular opening. The fistula site had healed well with no epiphora or discharge or residual scarring. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency-assisted endofistulectomy is a minimally invasive and viable alternative to incisional fistulectomy in select group of patients of congenital or acquired fistulae which communicate with the lacrimal sac.