Assessment of Long-Term Outcomes Associated With a Lobulated Pedicled Nasal Mucosa Flap Technique for Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy Without Stenting.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes a surgical approach wherein a lobulated pedicled nasal mucosa flap technique was employed for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) as a means of treating nasolacrimal duct obstructions. This study also assessed the long-term outcomes of this EDCR approach when implemented without stenting. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a total of 63 patients (67 eyes) treated for nasolacrimal duct obstructions between January 2011 and November 2016. All patients had undergone ophthalmic diagnosis followed by EDCR treatment using a lobulated pedicled nasal mucosa flap without stenting. Patients were then monitored for both anatomical patency and sustained symptom relief during the follow-up period in order to assess objective and subjective study outcomes. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 25.3 ± 1.2 months (range: 24-28 months), with a 100% anatomical patency success rate (67/67) and a 94.03% symptomatic cure rate (63/67). There were no instances of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a lobulated pedicled nasal mucosa flap technique for EDCR without stenting is a straightforward, effective, and safe approach that keeps bone exposure to a minimum while offering a high rate of satisfactory outcomes, making it a procedure worthy of consideration as a means of treating patients suffering from nasolacrimal duct obstructions.

Postoperative Bioresorbable Chitosan-Based Dressing for Endoscopic Middle Meatal Dacryocystorhinostomy With Balloon Dilation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the improvement in epiphora and need for surgical revision in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction following balloon-assisted, middle meatal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with chitosan-based dressing versus bioresorbable polyurethane packing versus no packing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients seen from 2015 to 2018 with follow-up evaluation of epiphora at least 3 months after balloon-assisted, middle meatal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Patients with a history of prior punctoplasty, septoplasty, sinus surgery, or dacryocystorhinostomy of any kind were excluded. Those meeting criteria were stratified by postoperative hemostatic intervention: no packing, bioresorbable packing, and chitosan-based dressing (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Procedural outcomes were graded as successes or failures based on subjective report and anatomical findings at most recent visit within an 18-month postoperative window. Instances of recommendation for revision surgery were also recorded. RESULTS: Forty-three cases (36 patients) met the abovementioned criteria. Groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 12, 17, and 14 cases each, respectively. Average patient age was 55.3 years old, and average duration of follow-up was 6.7 months. Significant variation in outcomes was detected across the 3 groups (P = .0495), particularly between groups 1 and 3 (P = .033). Use of chitosan-based dressing trended toward reduced rates of recommendation for surgical revision (P = .203, P = .113). CONCLUSIONS: Use of chitosan-based dressing after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy was associated with improved subjective and anatomical outcomes. It may also contribute to less frequent need for revision surgery. Further study in a larger prospective trial is recommended.

Management of inferior dislocation of a StopLoss Jones tube after conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

Persistent epiphora significantly worsens one's quality of life. A commonly known method of treatment of complete obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculi is conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with placement of a glass Jones tube. Unfortunately, the use of such a prosthesis of the lacrimal tract often results in certain complications, the most frequent of which include extrusion or superior and inferior migration. For the last several years, a modified version of the Jones tube-the StopLoss Jones tube (SLJT)-has been available. It almost eliminates the possibility of extrusion. However, inferior migration still remains an important problem. When that happens, it is necessary to proceed surgically. In this paper, we describe an endoscopically-guided technique of management of an inferiorly dislocated SLJT.

[Congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction: pulled monocanalicular intubation (Monoka) versus pushed monocanalicular intubation (Masterka)]. / Imperméabilité lacrymonasale simple de l'enfant : comparaison entre une intubation monocanaliculaire « tirée ¼ type Monoka versus intubation monocanaliculaire « poussée ¼ type Masterka.

INTRODUCTION: The primary cause of congenital epiphora, congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction (CNLDO) affects 5 to 20% of newborns. In children over 12 months, it is currently recommended to treat with primary probing and intubation of the nasolacrymal duct under general anesthesia. The purpose of this study is to compare "pulled" monocanalicular intubation (Monoka) versus "pushed" monocanalicular intubation (Masterka). METHODS: This retrospective study included 73 children between 2014 and 2017 who presented with CNLDO with membranous (mucosal) obstruction. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Children with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation (Monoka) with classic nasal recovery or pushed monocanalicular intubation (Masterka) inserted via the canthus. Treatment success was defined as complete resolution of epiphora at two months after the procedure. RESULTS: Surgical outcomes were assessed in 53 eyes with Monoka and 20 eyes with Masterka intubation. The mean age at treatment was 25 months (range, 12-69 months) for the two groups. Treatment success was achieved in 19 of 20 eyes (95.0%) in the Masterka group compared with 50 of 53 eyes (94.0%) in the Monoka group. A tube loss occured in 14% of cases in both groups. CONCLUSION: In children over 12 months of age, the Masterka "pushed" monocanalicular intubation technique is an effective treatment for congenital nasolacrymal duct obstruction.

Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy Using a Castroviejo Double-Ended Lacrimal Dilator.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the surgical method of endoscopic conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube insertion using a Castroviejo double-ended lacrimal dilator and to elucidate the surgical outcomes. METHODS: Under general anesthesia and preoperative epinephrine soaking, a monopolar needle cautery instrument was used to remove the nasal mucosa over the lacrimal and maxillary bone junction. After the lacrimal and maxillary bone junction was exposed, an oval osteotomy was formed. A Castroviejo double-ended lacrimal dilator was then inserted to create a direct fistula from the conjunctiva to the nasal cavity through the bony ostium. The dilator was grasped and withdrawn using smooth forceps to determine the tube length. The selected tube was then inserted into the fistula with a guide probe. Following removal of the probe, the inserted tube was fixed with 7-0 Ethilon suturing. RESULTS: Among 39 patients, a total of 49 cases were examined. The success rate was 73.4% (36/49 eyes). The average surgical time was 29.1 minutes for single-eye operations and 47.3 minutes for double-eye operations. Lateral migration (6/13; 46.2%), medial migration (3/13; 23.1%), granulation tissue obstruction (2/13; 15.4%), inflammation (1/13; 7.7%), and malpositioning (1/13; 7.7%) were the noted complications that led to reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, surgical management of endoscopic conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy using a Castroviejo double-ended lacrimal dilator has several advantages. Using this device, easier surgical procedure, shorter surgical time, and more favorable success rate can be achieved without serious complications.

An update on endoscopic mechanical and powered dacryocystorhinostomy in acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal abscess.

PURPOSE: To provide a brief review of the literature on the utility and outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with acute dacryocystitis (ADC) and lacrimal abscess. METHODS: The authors performed a PubMed search of all articles published in English on endoscopic powered or mechanical DCR performed during the stage of acute dacryocystitis. Data captured include demographics, clinical presentations, time interval to surgery, intraoperative challenges, post-operative course, complications and outcomes. Specific emphasis was laid on addressing the intra-operative challenges and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: Increased intra-operative bleeding is a common finding. The use of mitomycin C and silicone intubation are not uncommon and are not reported to have negative influence on the outcomes of surgery. The general consensus is to initiate antibiotics immediately or a day before surgery and continue them in the post-operative period. Symptomatic pain relief was achieved very early (immediate to <3 days) and complete resolution was usually achieved in a week's time. The overall anatomical success rates varied from 81.8 to 96.2% and functional success from 72.7 to 96.2%. Cicatricial closure of the ostium was a common cause of failure. CONCLUSION: Primary endoscopic DCR appears to be an effective modality in the management of ADC and lacrimal abscess, and results in a rapid resolution of inflammation while achieving comparable surgical success with a traditional approach of conservative management with or without drainage and 2nd stage external DCR.

Use of an image-guided navigation system for routine endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the results of routine endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy combined with computed tomography guided navigation in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of all patients with lacrimal drainage obstruction undergoing stereotactic endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy between 1st January 2016 and 1st April 2018. Computed tomography dacryocystography was used for intra-operative navigation. Patients with a presaccal obstruction site location were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with computed tomography guided navigation was successfully performed in all 17 cases without complications. Early post-operative dislocation of the inserted bicanalicular silicone stent occurred in two patients. Two other patients developed post-operative bacterial infection within the lacrimal sac. Otherwise, the silicone tube was removed three months after surgery, and after further follow up of 8 weeks, 94 per cent of the study population reported complete remission of epiphora. CONCLUSION: The use of computed tomography guidance in routine endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy enhanced safety for the patient and avoided unnecessary damage of bone and mucosa surrounding the lacrimal drainage system. Therefore, routine endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with additional stereotactic guidance by computed tomography navigation can contribute to high success rates with endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Insertion of a preloaded Monoka™ stent for congenital nasolacrimal obstruction: Intraoperative observations. A preliminary study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the intraoperative deployment of a pre-loaded probe for a "pushed" monocanalicular nasolacrimal intubation. STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomized study of consecutive cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Description: A classical Monoka™ silicone stent with the silicone tube attached at right angles to the punctal plug is contained entirely inside an introducer connected to a piston. Insertion: The procedure begins with intubation of the nasolacrimal duct with the metallic introducer. Traction on the piston retracts the metallic introducer inside the handpiece. This relative shortening progressively ejects the stent, starting with its free end at the bottom of the introducer. The operation was observed endoscopically under single-blind conditions. RESULTS: Twenty-eight preloaded Monoka™ stents were placed consecutively, in 28 congenital nasolacrimal duct intubations in 22 patients (28 sides). Endoscopic examination showed that the free part of the stent was progressively ejected from the introducer during retraction of the piston. Insertion of this pushed stent into the nasal cavity was effective in 23/28 cases (82.1%). A total of 28 preloaded stent insertions were attempted and 23 were correctly deployed. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED: At the end of nasolacrimal duct intubation, contact between the punctal plug and the lacrimal punctum was problematic in four cases (4/28=14.2%). At the beginning of stent placement, premature ejection of the punctal plug within the end of the introducer occurred in five cases (5/28=17.8%). These five stents failed to insert properly into the nasal cavity. At the end of insertion, retention of the punctal plug in the introducer occurred in two cases (2/28=7.1%). COMPLICATIONS: No cases of intraoperative or postoperative epistaxis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nasal endoscopy validated the concept of the preloaded Monoka stent and its deployment. Reproducibility and improved reliability may require a change in stenting technique and a design modification.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Powered Revision Dacryocystorhinostomy.

Objective of this study is to determine the etiology of patients applied with revision endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the operation results.The patients were retrospectively evaluated in respect of demographic data, the time from primary to revision surgery, revision etiology, the use of bicanalicular silicone nasolacrimal tube (BNLT), the time to postoperative removal of the silicone tube, and the success of the revision surgery.The study included 27 patients applied with revision endoscopic DCR between January 2013 and January 2016. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 ±â€Š11.7 years. The mean time from the first operation to revision surgery was 7.2 ±â€Š6.1 months (range, 1-24 months). During the endoscopic DCR, synechia was observed in 2 (7.4%), granulation tissue in 7 (25.9%), inadequate bone window in 5 (18.52%), and membranous scar around the ostium in 22 (81.4%) patients. More than 1 etiologic problem was determined in 8 patients. During the revision procedure, BNLT was applied to 12 (44.4%) patients. At the final follow-up examination, the complaint of epiphora had completely recovered in 18 (66.6%) patients and there were in 9 (33.3%) patients. The mean time to removal of the BNLT was 1.7 ±â€Š0.57 months (range, 1-3 months).The most common cause of recurrent epiphora in endoscopic DCR was the formation of membranous scar. The use of the mucosal flap technique in primary surgery and the application of BNLT to all patients in revision surgery may increase the functional success rate.

Dacryocystorhinostomy with a thulium:YAG laser-a case series.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 27 patients-7 men and 20 women, aged 47 to 94 years (mean: 71.3)-with symptomatic epiphora secondary to dacryostenosis who had undergone thulium: YAG (Tm:YAG) laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Among them, dacryostenosis had been documented in 35 eyes by dacryocystography. The Tm:YAG procedure involved the administration of local anesthesia, after which a 600-µm laser fiber was inserted into the lacrimal canaliculi and then into the nasolacrimal duct. Under endoscopic visualization, the DCR was performed anterior and inferior to the middle turbinate, which created an opening. Silicone stents were then inserted and tied intranasally. In the immediate postoperative period, all 27 patients noted initial improvement. During a follow-up of 22 days to 25 months (mean: 11.3 mo), 24 of the 27 patients (89%) remained symptom-free, while the remaining 3 patients (11%) experienced a treatment failure and required revision surgery. To the best of our knowledge, only two articles on thulium laser therapy for DCR have been previously published, both approximately 25 years ago; both involved the use of a thulium along with holmium and chromium in cadavers. As far as we know, our case series is the largest in the English-language literature that has documented the use of the thulium in laser therapy for DCR, and it is the only in vivo study. We found that DCR with the Tm:YAG laser was an effective and affordable option for patients with symptomatic epiphora secondary to lacrimal obstruction.

The use of an ostial stent does not increase the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective, controlled study assessed how placing a stent into a newly formed ostium affects ostial patency, success and complication rates in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy patients. METHODS: In group 1 (40 eyes of 36 patients), both silicone tube intubation and tube stenting were performed. In group 2 (36 eyes of 34 patients), only silicone tube intubation was performed. Success, operative time and post-surgical complications were investigated two months post-operatively in each group. RESULTS: The success rates were 92.5 per cent and 83.3 per cent for groups 1 and 2 respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.294). The complication rates also differed between the two groups, but this was again insignificant. CONCLUSION: Compared with the use of a silicone tube alone, the addition of an ostial stent did not significantly increase the success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Comparison of Piezosurgery and Hammer-Chisel in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the advantages and disadvantages of piezosurgery and hammer-chisel used in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2016, 10 women and 8 men in whom piezosurgery was used (group 1) and 11 women and 7 men in whom hammer-chisel was used (group 2) during EDCR operations were compared retrospectively. Recurrence, operation time, postoperative bleeding, and operative cost were evaluated in patients who were followed for an average of 11.8 months. In addition, visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain at 6 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: No recurrence was observed in group 1, but recurrence was observed in 2 patients in group 2 (P = 0.685). There was no postoperative bleeding in both groups. The mean duration of operation was 30.6 ±â€Š8.2 minutes in group 1 and 46.8 ±â€Š9.5 minutes in group 2 (P = 0.038). The VAS score in group 1 was 2.7 ±â€Š1.4 and the VAS score in group 2 was 5.8 ±â€Š2.2 (P = 0.01). Piezosurgery costs an additional $325 for each patient while the use of the hammer-chisel does not incur additional costs. CONCLUSION: Piezosurgery causes shorter operation time, less recurrence, and less pain when compared with hammer-chisel.

Species-specific characteristics of the biofilm generated in silicone tube: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate characteristics of biofilm which is usually found in silicone tube for nasolacrimal duct surgery and can be the root of chronic bacterial infections eventually resulted in surgical failure. METHODS: To form a biofilm, sterile silicone tube was placed in culture media of Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium matruchotii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Streptococcus pneumonia. Biofilms formed on these silicone tubes were fixed with 95% ethanol and stained with 0.1% crystal violet. After staining, the optical densities of biofilms were measured using spectrophotometer on a weekly basis for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus group and Pseudomonas aeruginosa group formed significantly more amounts of biofilms compared to the control group. The maximum optical densities of the two groups were found on week 3-4 followed by a tendency of decrease afterwards. However, the amounts of biofilms formed in other groups of silicone tubes were not statistically significant from that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial species that could form biofilm on silicone tube included Staphylococcus aureus (week 3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Week 4). It is important to first consider that the cause of infection around 1 month after silicone tube intubation can be Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Endoscopically assisted Crawford tube placement results in shorter general anesthesia times in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Crawford tube placement is commonly used to achieve patency of nasolacrimal ducts for epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The nasal passages of pediatric patients are narrower than adults, and the result is a relatively higher risk of intranasal complications (e.g., synechiae, bleeding) with Crawford tube placement. There is evidence that general anesthesia may negatively affect the neurocognitive function and behavioral development of children, which prompts efforts to decrease operation times for potential health benefits and also potentially to reduce health care costs. Analysis of research reports supports the use of nasal endoscopy to reduce intranasal complications with Crawford tube placement; however, no publications currently address the effect of nasal endoscopy concurrent with Crawford tube placement on operative times on pediatric patients or the resulting effects on health care costs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in procedure time and cost between Crawford tubes placed traditionally and those placed with endoscopic assistance in pediatric patients. METHODS: A chart review was performed from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016 for cases using CPT codes 68815 or 31231. Within this group of patients, the patient in whom nasal endoscopy was performed were placed in the "endoscopic" group and the patients without endoscopy were placed in the "traditional" group. Procedure times were noted, and the t-test was performed to examine for any statistically significant difference in operative times. Estimates of anesthesia cost savings were made. We identified 24 patients in the traditional group and 7 patients in the endoscopic group. RESULTS: The average operative time for the traditional group was 27.3 minutes compared with 14.0 minutes for the endoscopic group (p = 0.02). The cost comparison data revealed no significant difference with the traditional group averaging $9369 per procedure and the endoscopic group averaging $8891 (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: An endoscopically assisted Crawford tube placement resulted in patients who had less time under general anesthesia compared with the traditional technique at no difference in cost.

Assessing the Usefulness of Different Silicone Tubes in External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

INTRODUCTION: External dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of lacrimal drainage system disorders. AIM: To assess the usefulness of different silicone tubes in external dacryocystorhinostomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study sampled 97 patients with lacrimal drainage system disorders who underwent the external dacryocystorhinostomy using two different silicone tubes. Forty one patients (Group A) underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone intubation using Nunchaku-style tubes, while in 56 patients (Group B) dacryocystorhinostomy was performed with O'Donoghue silicone tubes. The data was analyzed using T-test, Chi-squared test and Fisher's test. RESULTS: The success rate was evaluated by achieved patency to irrigation and relief of epiphora. Patency in the group with Nunchaku-style tubes was 95.1% compared to 94.6% in the group with O'Donoghue silicone tubes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both tubes in external dacryocystorhinostomy were useful in the management of lacrimal drainage system disorders. Although it is easier and quicker to intubate and extubate Nunchaku-style tubes compared to O'Donoghue silicone tubes, there was no statistically significant difference in success rate between the compared groups.

Success Rate of Variable Collar Size Frosted Jones Tubes.

PURPOSE: To describe success rates and long-term outcomes of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with larger collar (4.5 or 5.0 mm) frosted Jones tubes (FJTs). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who received a larger collar (4.5 or 5.0 mm) FJT following CDCR by an author (RAD) was performed between January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2016. Patient demographics, etiology of tearing, follow-up time from placement of larger collar FJT, original tube collar diameter, number and sizes of collar adjustments, tearing status, and complications were recorded. Exclusion criteria included follow up less than 6 months after placement of a larger collar FJT. The study was IRB approved, HIPAA compliant, and adherent to the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (29 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Average follow-up time was 30 months. Twenty-eight out of 29 eyes had complete resolution of tearing after placement of larger collar FJT and no tubes were lost. Fourteen out of 29 eyes required adjustment in collar size after a larger collar was placed. Two out of 13 eyes that had a 5.0 mm collar placed required exchanged due to collar prominence. CONCLUSION: With the use of larger collar FJTs, the long-term success of CDCR in tearing patients remains highly effective. This study demonstrates larger collar FJTs are well tolerated and help reduce the chance of tube loss.

[Minimally invasive Therapy of lacrimal Drainage System Stenosis]. / Minimalinvasive Therapie von Tränenwegstenosen.

Epiphora is one of the most common symptoms for clinical ophthalmological consultation. This symptom is mostly caused by stenosis of the lacrimal drainage system. Over a century, external dacryocystostomy according to Toti was the treatment of choice. Today, new very encouraging minimally invasive techniques for recanalisation of the lacrimal drainage system, such as microdrilldacryoplasty or laserdacryoplasty, as well as bypass-based techniques, such as transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy, become more important in the treatment of dacryostenosis.