Hemangioma of the mandible in a 12-year-old boy

@#Intraosseous hemangioma is a benign, rare neoplasm that accounts to 0.5 - 1% of all benign tumors of bones.1, 2 While most hemangiomas arise from soft tissues, it is uncommon for it to arise from bones.2 The most common sites of growth are in the vertebral body and the calvarium with frontal bone making up approximately 45% of calvarial cases.2,3 However, they are also encountered in the head and neck with sites such as the skull (53%), mandible (10.7%), nasal bones (9%), and cervical spine (6%).4 In the mandible, the body is mostly affected and 65% are found in the molar and premolar region.1 They are more common in adult females with peaks at the second and fifth decades of life.1-3 Hemangioma of the mandible is difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and radiographic features. It mimics various mass lesions in the mandible such as giant cell granuloma, fibrous dysplasia, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, ameloblastoma and keratocysts. Therefore, a comprehensive history taking and physical examination plus examination of the imaging studies available and tissue biopsy all play important roles in arriving at the final diagnosis.5 We present the case of an aggressive mandibular hemangioma in a young boy and our management involving a failed fibular free flap reconstruction.

Clinical Impact of the Line Probe Assay and Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay in the Presumptive Diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Brazil: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Rapid molecular methods such as the line probe assay (LPA) and Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) have been recommended by the World Health Organization for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis. We conducted an interventional trial in DR-TB reference centers in Brazil to evaluate the impact of the use of LPA and Xpert. Methods: Patients with DR-TB were eligible if their drug susceptibility testing results were available to the treating physician at the time of consultation. The standard reference MGITTM 960 was compared with Xpert (arm 1) and LPA (arm 2). Effectiveness was considered as the start of the appropriate TB regimen that matched drug susceptibility testing (DST) and the proportions of culture conversion and favorable treatment outcomes after 6 months. Results: A higher rate of empirical treatment was observed with MGIT alone than with the Xpert assay (97.0% vs. 45.0%) and LPA (98.2% vs. 67.5%). Patients started appropriate TB treatment more quickly than those in the MGIT group (median 15.0 vs. 40.5 days; p<0.01) in arm 1. Compared to the MGIT group, culture conversion after 6 months was higher for Xpert in arm 1 (90.9% vs. 79.3%, p=0.39) and LPA in arm 2 (80.0% vs. 83.0%, p=0.81). Conclusions: In the Xpert arm, there was a significant reduction in days to the start of appropriate anti-TB treatment and a trend towards greater culture conversion in the sixth month.

Algorithmic approach to the lymphatic leak after vascular reconstruction: a systematic review

Background@#To date, there are no consensus guidelines for management of lymphatic leak in groin vascular reconstruction patients. The goal of this study is to review the relevant literature to determine alternatives for treatment and to design an evidence-based algorithm to minimize cost and morbidity and maximize efficacy. @*Methods@#A systematic review of the literature was conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Two independent reviewers applied agreed-upon inclusion and exclusion criteria to eligible records. Studies that included patients who underwent groin dissection for oncologic diagnoses and level 5 data were excluded. Interventions were then categorized by efficacy using predetermined criteria. @*Results@#Our search yielded 333 records, of which eight studies were included. In four studies, the success of lymphatic ligation ranged from 75% to 100%, with average days to resolution ranging from 0 to 9. Conservative management in the form of elevation, compression, and bedrest may prolong time to resolution of lymphatic leak (14–24 days) and therefore cost. @*Conclusions@#The majority of patients should be offered early operative intervention in the form of lymphatic ligation with or without a primary muscle flap. If the patient is not an operative candidate, a trial of conservative management should be attempted before other nonsurgical interventions.

Algorithmic approach to the lymphatic leak after vascular reconstruction: a systematic review

Background@#To date, there are no consensus guidelines for management of lymphatic leak in groin vascular reconstruction patients. The goal of this study is to review the relevant literature to determine alternatives for treatment and to design an evidence-based algorithm to minimize cost and morbidity and maximize efficacy. @*Methods@#A systematic review of the literature was conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Two independent reviewers applied agreed-upon inclusion and exclusion criteria to eligible records. Studies that included patients who underwent groin dissection for oncologic diagnoses and level 5 data were excluded. Interventions were then categorized by efficacy using predetermined criteria. @*Results@#Our search yielded 333 records, of which eight studies were included. In four studies, the success of lymphatic ligation ranged from 75% to 100%, with average days to resolution ranging from 0 to 9. Conservative management in the form of elevation, compression, and bedrest may prolong time to resolution of lymphatic leak (14–24 days) and therefore cost. @*Conclusions@#The majority of patients should be offered early operative intervention in the form of lymphatic ligation with or without a primary muscle flap. If the patient is not an operative candidate, a trial of conservative management should be attempted before other nonsurgical interventions.

Reabilitação neuroclusal em paciente odontopediátrico com mordida cruzada posterior unilateral: relato de caso clínico / Neuro-occlusal rehabilitation in pediatric dental patient with unilateral posterior crossbite: clinical case report

Objetivo: relatar a sequência clínica de tratamento para descruzar uma mordida cruzada posterior unilateral na dentição decídua por meio da reabilitação neuroclusal. Relato de caso: o caso clínico foi realizado em um paciente do sexo masculino, com 5 anos de idade, diagnosticado com mordida cruzada posterior unilateral funcional do lado direito. Após a verificação de interferências dentais nos caninos e molares em oclusão cêntrica, realizaram-se os ajustes oclusais. Seguiu-se então o protocolo para confecção de pistas diretas de Planas, utilizando resina composta em planos inclinados na metade vestibular da face oclusal dos dentes 84 e 85 e na face vestibular dos dentes 53, 54 e 55. Logo após a confecção das pistas, observou-se a correção da mordida cruzada e a estabilidade na mudança postural da mandíbula. Considerações finais: a reabilitação neuroclusal por meio de pistas diretas de Planas apresenta grande eficácia na correção da mordida cruzada posterior, proporcionando estabilidade mandibular e estímulo para o crescimento e desenvolvimento crânio-maxilo-facial. (AU)

Objective: To report the clinical treatment sequence to uncross a unilateral posterior crossbite in deciduous dentition using neuro-occlusal rehabilitation. Case report: The clinical case was performed in a 5-year-old male patient diagnosed with a functional unilateral posterior crossbite on the right side. After verifying dental interferences with canines and molars in centric occlusion, the occlusal adjustments were performed. The protocol for producing Planas direct tracks was followed using composite resin in inclined planes in the buccal half of the occlusal surface of teeth 84 and 85 and in the buccal surface of teeth 53, 54, and 55. After the preparation of tracks, the crossbite correction and the stability in postural mandibular change were observed. Final considerations: Neuro-occlusal rehabilitation using Planas direct tracks is highly effective in correcting posterior crossbite, providing mandibular stability and stimulus for the growth and development of the maxillofacial skull. (AU)

Clinical, immunological profile and follow up of patients with pemphigus: A study from India

Background: Pemphigus has a protracted course and multiple factors influence its prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and clinical profile of pemphigus patients and to study its influence on treatment end points. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review done in an Indian tertiary care hospital from December 1991 to December 2013. Patients with less than 3 months' follow up and those who had paraneoplastic pemphigus were excluded. Results: There were 132 patients with pemphigus, of which 118 (89.4%) had pemphigus vulgaris and 14 (10.6%) had pemphigus foliaceous. The time to disease control (TDC) was available for 100 patients (n = 100, 75.7%); patients with a minimum follow up of 3 months (n = 80) were included for studying the end points like time to first disease remission (TDR) and time to first disease relapse (TDRe). The median period of follow up was 23 months (range 3–245). Out of the 100 patients, 61.9% were on oral steroids with adjuvant therapy. The steroid dose required for disease control for n = 100, ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Of these, 60% were treated with steroid dose of 1 mg/kg, 22% with >1 mg/kg, and 18% with <1 mg/kg. The mean time to disease control (in months) in the group which received <1 mg/kg steroid was 1.02 ± 0.68, 1 mg/kg was 0.72 ± 0.51, and >1 mg/kg was 1.02 ± 0.62 (P = 0.017); with a significant difference between the groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.007), implying a faster disease control in those who received 1 mg/kg dose. This difference was significant after adjusting for the steroid sparing drugs taken at baseline (P = 0.009, C.I. - 1.44-13.59). The mean time to first disease remission (TDR) was 11.46 ± 2.06 months. Out of the 80 patients with a minimum follow up of 3 months, 75% had achieved either partial or complete remission. None of the other epidemiological, clinical or immunological parameters had an impact on the TDC or TDR. Conclusions: The epidemiological, clinical or immunological parameters had no impact on the treatment end points like time to disease control and time to first disease remission. The dose of steroids required for disease control higher than 1 mg/kg offered no advantage in the time to disease control as compared to 1 mg/kg. Limitations: The study was retrospective and disease severity scores were not applied. In view of the shorter follow up period, long term prognostic end points and mortality could not be well represented. The median period of follow up was 23 months. The serum anti- desmoglein antibody titres were not available at various treatment end points for correlation at different time intervals.

Clinical, immunological profile and follow up of patients with pemphigus: A study from India

Background: Pemphigus has a protracted course and multiple factors influence its prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and clinical profile of pemphigus patients and to study its influence on treatment end points. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review done in an Indian tertiary care hospital from December 1991 to December 2013. Patients with less than 3 months' follow up and those who had paraneoplastic pemphigus were excluded. Results: There were 132 patients with pemphigus, of which 118 (89.4%) had pemphigus vulgaris and 14 (10.6%) had pemphigus foliaceous. The time to disease control (TDC) was available for 100 patients (n = 100, 75.7%); patients with a minimum follow up of 3 months (n = 80) were included for studying the end points like time to first disease remission (TDR) and time to first disease relapse (TDRe). The median period of follow up was 23 months (range 3–245). Out of the 100 patients, 61.9% were on oral steroids with adjuvant therapy. The steroid dose required for disease control for n = 100, ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Of these, 60% were treated with steroid dose of 1 mg/kg, 22% with >1 mg/kg, and 18% with <1 mg/kg. The mean time to disease control (in months) in the group which received <1 mg/kg steroid was 1.02 ± 0.68, 1 mg/kg was 0.72 ± 0.51, and >1 mg/kg was 1.02 ± 0.62 (P = 0.017); with a significant difference between the groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.007), implying a faster disease control in those who received 1 mg/kg dose. This difference was significant after adjusting for the steroid sparing drugs taken at baseline (P = 0.009, C.I. - 1.44-13.59). The mean time to first disease remission (TDR) was 11.46 ± 2.06 months. Out of the 80 patients with a minimum follow up of 3 months, 75% had achieved either partial or complete remission. None of the other epidemiological, clinical or immunological parameters had an impact on the TDC or TDR. Conclusions: The epidemiological, clinical or immunological parameters had no impact on the treatment end points like time to disease control and time to first disease remission. The dose of steroids required for disease control higher than 1 mg/kg offered no advantage in the time to disease control as compared to 1 mg/kg. Limitations: The study was retrospective and disease severity scores were not applied. In view of the shorter follow up period, long term prognostic end points and mortality could not be well represented. The median period of follow up was 23 months. The serum anti- desmoglein antibody titres were not available at various treatment end points for correlation at different time intervals.

Antioxidant activity, Hypoglycemic potential and metabolite profiling of Hyophorbe indica leaf extract

Current work was performed to evaluate antioxidant activity, ?-glucosidase inhibition, phytochemical profiling and in vivo hypoglycemic activity of freeze dried, ultrasonicated Hyophorbe indica leaf extracts. The highest total phenolic contents of 208.77 +/- 2.11 mg GAE/g DE and total flavonoid contents of 173.90 +/- 2.30 mg Rutin/g DE were obtained in 60% ethanol extract. The 60% ethanol extract exhibited maximum DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 value of 35.35 +/- 0.189microg/mL and total antioxidant power of 330.26 +/- 3.13 [ASE/g PE], respectively. The highest ?-glucosidase inhibition [IC50 36.52 +/- 0.08?g/mL] was also observed for 60% ethanol extract. The 60% ethanol extract at dose of 450 mg/kg body weight reduced blood glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic mice by 51.41% which was quite comparable with metformin [56.67%]. Twelve compounds namely citric acid, procyanidin B3, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, catechin, catechin derivative, procyanidin B1, apigenin-c-hexocide-c-hexocide, kaempferol, kaempferol derivative, quinic acid derivative and gallic acid have been identified by using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS in 60% ethanol extract

Mercury-Added Products Management: Challenges In Developing Countries And Lessons Learned From Medical Facility

The risks of mercury use have prompted the establishment of Minamata Convention on Mercury which placed strong emphasis on management of mercury-added products. This convention aims to reduce and phase out the use, manufacturing and trade of mercury-added products including batteries, switches and non-electronic measuring devices. This commitment will cause significant impacts especially in the developing countries in designing the right approach to achieve it. This is also true for medical industry which is well known for the utilization of mercury-added devices and dental amalgam in its services but had embarked on efforts in eliminating mercury for many years. The experiences learned within a medical facility can be useful in efforts to meet this global ambition of mercury phase out. This paper aims to provide conceptual discussion on the challenges faced by developing countries and lessons learned from medical facility that can helps the formulation of appropriate approaches to manage mercury-added products. The paper adopted medical industry as a case study and used document analysis to discuss the issue. The main challenges identified for developing countries include lacks of capacity, funding, data and newer technologies. Based on analysis of previous studies, this study proposed a mercury management framework in medical facility and identified the recommended practices, namely technological application, policy instrument, capacity building and guidelines development. These identified approaches are found to have specific relationships between cost and potential impacts, hence giving flexibility for adoption based on the available resources in promoting better mercury management system

Progression pattern of rheumatoid arthritis: a study of 500 Pakistani patients

To estimate the most prevalent age of patients and disease status and progression in terms of severity at different age groups in the Pakistani Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] patients. A total of five hundred [500] RA patients were enrolled during October, 2009 to October, 2013. A screening questionnaire was filled for each patient satisfying America College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria under the supervision of certified rheumatologists. Epidemiological and demographic variables were statistically analyzed for correlation with progression of the disease using SPSS ver 17.0.1 software. In general, rheumatoid arthritis preferentially affects women with female to male ratio of about 3:1; however, patients with above 60 years of age have equal female to male ratio. The most prevalent age is 45-60 years. The disease severity increases with increase in the age and reaches to its peak in above 60 years of age [p=0.001]. The pattern of progression of RA in the Pakistani patients is almost consistent with other relevant studies conducted on European and European derived populations

Homozygous mutations in NTRK1 gene underlie congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis in Pakistani families

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with loss of pain sensation, thermal sensation defects, and self-mutilating behavior. In the present study, we recruited two consanguineous pedigree showing pain insensitivity symptoms from Pakistan for clinical and molecular investigations. In family A, one female patient displayed classical CIPA symptoms along with microcephaly and severe intellectual disability. During course of the disease, her right foot was amputated and had remarkable dental degeneration and teeth shedding. In family B, one boy presented with classical symptoms of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. Blood was collected from both families for molecular studies. Sequencing with the Ilumina Trusight One Sequencing Panel covering 4813 OMIM genes revealed a known homozygous mutation c.2084C>T; p.P695L of NTRK1 in family A and a novel truncated mutation c.2025C>G; p.Y681X in family B. Protein modeling analysis of both mutations (p.P695L and p.Y681X) predicted loss of the rigidity in tyrosine kinase domain of NTRK1 that led to conformational changes as well as deleterious effect on protein function. The known mutation was reported more than a decade ago in a family from Northern Israel and other non-sense mutation is newly identified. It is interested that most of NTRK1 mutations are associated with this domain. This is first ever report of NTRK1 variants in congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis patients from Pakistan.

Rheumatoid arthritis: what have we learned about the causing factors?

Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] is a common inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the synovitis of both small and large joints, which may lead to the destruction of cartilage and bones causing significant disabilities due to erosion of bones surfaces, if left untreated. It is a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease having contribution of both genetic [50-60%] and environmental factors. The unawareness of general public might be a contributing factor in the high prevalence rate of RA world-wide. This review article focuses on the causing factors [genetics and environmental] involved in this devastating disease. We also gave brief overview of the treatment options and animal models of RA. The literature was reviewed using mesh terms in PubMed search "etiology of RA, genetics of RA, environmental factors in RA, Genome Wide Association Studies [GWAS] in RA". The data was thoroughly reviewed and comprehensive information was extracted to help the readers in improving understanding towards the mechanisms, which trigger the outcomes of RA. The more we increase awareness about RA, the better we manage this disease and hence can improve life style and socio-economic status

Pharmacogenomics of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a step toward personalized medicine

Type 2 diabetes is a complex multifactorial disease characterized by insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Global prevalence of diabetes is increasing day by day making diabetes a global epidemic. Various factors increase risk of diabetes and genetic predisposition is one of vary important factor. Many anti- diabetic treatments are available to control blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Now-a-days initially, oral antidiabetic treatment is successful but it fails later on and requires insulin administration and there are large numbers of non responders also. Even patients that do respond show variability in drug response and tolerance. Pharmacogenomics is the study to determine the inter-individual differences that contribute toward drug response. Many studied have shown positive contribution of different polymorphism in alteration of drug response in various ethnicities but still data related to pharmacogenomics of asian population is limited. In this review, we have tried to summarize the genetic variations and their effect on 3 major classes of oral antidiabetic medications that include thiazolidinediones, metformin and sulfonylureas

RANKL signaling pathway: a potential target for antiresorptive therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is a chronic polyarthritic autoimmunity condition characterized by severe bone irosion. Osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells, are overly produced from the synovial inflammatory tissues in RA leading to excessive bone loss. RANKL-signaling pathway has been established to be the major pathway involved in osteclastogenesis. This review highlight the rule of around 40 osteclastogenic factors involved in RANKL-signaling their potential to be targeted for antiresorptiv potential, have been reviewed. Elucidating new potential candidate therapeutic targets in the osteoclastogenesis pathway will open new avenues into the treatment and diagnosis of the arthritic conditions

Signaling pathway involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis: target for new therapeutic interventions

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as a systematic autoimmune disease which causes chronic disabilities exclusively in bones that are aligned with synovium. RA etiology is still unknown but previous studies have coined that several number of factors play a significant role e.g. environmental and genetic factors. Cellular signaling pathways orchestrate the inflammatory response that regulates various cellular functions like cellular progression, proliferation, death and secretion of signaling molecules [pro and anti inflammatory cytokines] in response to genetic and environmental stimuli. These regulatory pathways are tightly controlled and naturally activated by ligands that attach to their respective receptors on the cell surface. In diseased state, these signaling pathways escape the normal control mechanisms resulting in intensification of cytokines and chemokines, transcription factors and mediatory proteins that disrupt normal cell processes and might bring about auto-destructive consequences such as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. The review highlights multiple levels of targeting molecules in signaling pathways that may be potential diagnostic markers and also attempts to underline potential therapeutic targets

Stability indicating RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of piroxicam and ofloxacin in binary combination

A simple and precise RP-HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination of piroxicam and ofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations and human serum. Optimum separations of piroxicam, ofloxacin and stress-induced degradation products were achieved by use of Hypersil BDS C8 column [250 x 4.6mm, 5microm]. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile: 0.012M K[2]HPO[4]: 0.008M sodium citrate [both buffers mixed and pH adjusted to 2.8] [50:25:25 v/v/v] delivered at flow rate of 1.5mL min[-1] using DAD at 254nm. Response was linear function of concentration over the ranges of 70-130mg mL[-1] for piroxicam and ofloxacin [r[2]>/=0.999]. The method efficiently separated the analytical peaks from degradation products with acceptable tailing and resolution. The developed method was successfully used for concurrent analysis of piroxicam and ofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations, human serum and in vitro drug interaction studies

Management of Carotid Artery Injury in Endonasal Surgery

Introduction: Carotid artery injury (CAI) is the most feared and potentially catastrophic intraoperative complication an endoscopic skull base surgeon may face. With the advancement of transnasal endoscopic surgery and the willingness to tackle more diverse pathology, evidence-based management of this life-threatening complication is paramount for patient safety and surgeon confidence. Objectives: We review the current English literature surrounding the management of CAI during endoscopic transnasal surgery. Data Synthesis The searched databases included PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, LILACS, and BIREME. Keywords included “sinus surgery,” “carotid injury,” “endoscopic skull base surgery,” “hemostasis,” “transsphenoidal” and “pseudoaneurysm.” Conclusions: Review of the literature found the incidence of CAI in endonasal skull base surgery to be as high as 9% in some surgeries. Furthermore, current treatment recommendations can result in damage to critical neurovascular structures. Management decisions must be made in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative setting to ensure adequate treatment of CAI and the prevention of its complications such as pseudoaneurysm. Emphasis should be placed on surgical competency, teamwork, and technical expertise through education and training...

Feasibility of Use of a Barbed Suture (V-Loc 180) for Quilting the Donor Site in Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap is a popular method of breast reconstruction which can be associated with high incidence of seroma formation. Quilting sutures at the harvest site are used to reduce this. Barbed sutures are self anchoring sutures which avoid multiple knotting and can be useful in quilting. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent LD flap breast reconstruction between January 2009 and January 2011 was carried out. Seroma formation at the harvest site, wound related complications, inpatient stay and duration of surgery were analysed and a comparison was made between two groups where quilting was done with barbed (V-Loc) suture and conventional polydioxanone (PDS) II sutures. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included of which 33 had quilting by V-Loc sutures and in 24 patients PDS II suture was used. Median age in the PDS group was 55 years (interquartile range [IQR)], 45 to 61 years) which was comparable to the V-Loc group (53 years [IQR, 48 to 59 years]; P-value 0.948). Sixteen patients (28%) had significant seroma formation and 5 (9%) patients developed superficial wound dehiscence. Incidences of seroma or wound complications were comparable (P-value 0.378 and 1.00, respectively). Secondary outcomes such as total duration of surgery, total inpatient stay, total amount of drain at the donor site were also similar in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of barbed sutures for quilting the donor site in LD flap reconstruction is a feasible option and the associated seroma formation and wound complications are comparable with conventional sutures.

Dacriocistorrinostomia endoscópica / Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

A abordagem cirúrgica do saco lacrimal por via intranasal assistida por videoendoscopia é, hoje, realizada com altos índices de sucesso. Apesar da técnica tradicional por via externa apresentar resultados bastante satisfatórios, tem a grande desvantagem de necessitar de uma incisão de pele e sua consequente cicatriz local. Com o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento do instrumental e das técnicas endonasais, a abordagem endoscópica é cada vez mais utilizada. OBJETIVO: Este artigo revisa a anatomia do sistema lacrimal, a avaliação pré-operatória e os detalhes técnicos da cirurgia assistida por endoscopia que podem proporcionar os desfechos cirúrgicos mais favoráveis ao paciente. As complicações e as causas de insucesso cirúrgico são também brevemente revisadas. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de uma revisão da experiência dos autores nos últimos 10 anos de aplicação da técnica endoscópica para cirurgia do saco lacrimal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados da dacriocistorrinostomia endoscópica são, no mínimo, iguais aos da técnica tradicional externa. Apesar disto, o trabalho conjunto do oftalmologista e do otorrinolaringologista é muito vantajoso para o melhor manejo possível do paciente com epífora.

The endonasal surgical approach of the lacrymal sac assisted by video-endoscopy is carried out today with high success rates. Despite the satisfactory results reached with the traditional external approach, it has the disadvantage of requiring a skin incision and a consequent local scar. With the development and enhancement of the endonasal techniques, the endoscopic approach is increasingly preferred by surgeons. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the lacrymal system anatomy, the preoperative assessment and the technical details of the endoscopic assisted approach which may provide better surgical outcomes for patients. We will also briefly discuss complications and causes for surgical failure. METHODOLOGY: This is a review of the experience of the authors in the past 10 years of employing the endoscopic technique for the lacrymal sac surgery. CONCLUSION: Outcomes regarding the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy are, at leas, equal to those from the traditional external approach. Notwithstanding, the joint work between the otorhinolaryngologist and the ophthalmologist is of great benefit to patients with epiphora.