The Effects of Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Revision Surgery for Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To determine the intranasal causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the effects of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (29 eyes) who underwent revision surgery for a failed DCR at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University between March 2009 and February 2011 were included in the present retrospective study. The intranasal causes of failed DCR, the time of symptoms such as epiphora and discharge after DCR, success rates of revision surgeries and follow-up periods were evaluated. RESULTS: Membranous obstruction was found in 25 eyes (86.2%) and was accompanied with granuloma in 10 eyes; these were the most common causes of failed DCR. The mean time for symptom development after DCR was 14.6 months, the success rate of the first revision surgery was 82.1% and good results were obtained in 5 eyes after the second revision surgery. Recurrence developed in 2 eyes, but symptoms improved after the lateral tarsal strip procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Membranous obstruction was the most common intranasal cause of failed DCR and transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery produced good results. Additionally, in patients with persistent epiphora following anatomically-patent revisional surgery, lacrimal pump failure due to lower eyelid laxity should be considered and corrected.

Efficacy of Dacryoscintigraphy in Patients with Functional Block of Lacrimal Drainage System

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of dacryoscintigraphy, we examined Hones dye test and dacryoscintigraphy in 24 eyes of 18 patients who were suspected to have junctional block in lacrimal drainage system. Among 18 eyes that were negative to Jones I dye test, 3 showed punctal stenosis and 6 typical pattern of lax lid and 2 partial obsturction of nasolacrimal duct on dacryoscintigraphy. In evaluation of lacrimal drainage system, physiological aspect is as important as anatomical information since lacrimal pumping action of lid and tear flow as well as the patency of lacrimal passage contribute to the lacrimal drainage. Compared to Jones dye test, dacryoscintigraphy is more useful with certain advantages : It gives less discomfort to patients, provides anatomical information and does not depend on examiner`s skills.