Canalicular Trephination with Lacrimal Trephine and Endoscopic DCR

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate surgical outcomes of canalicular trephination with lacrimal trephine and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in patiens with common canalicular or canalicular obstruction. METHODS: 35 patients (38 eyes) diagnosed as common canalicular or canalicular obstruction undergoing surgery between December 1999 and August 2003. Patients have been followed up more than 5 months after surgery. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 57.3 years old and the average follow-up period was 7.1 months. The overall success rate was 92.1%. With obstructions within lower canaliculus, the success rate was 75.0%. The success rate of the cases with obstructions within upper canaliculus and upper and lower canaliculus was 100%, and the success rate of the cases with obstructions within common canaliculus was 95.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical success rate of canalicular trephination with lacrimal trephine and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was better than canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and this seems to be adequate as an primary procedure before Jones tube bypass surgery.