Congenital dacryocystocele: diagnosis using ante and post-natal ultrasonography / Dacriocistocele congênita: diagnóstico ultrassonográfico ante e pós-natal

Congenital dacryocystocele is an unusual type of nasolacrimal obstruction. Treatment with antibiotics or surgical removal is practiced to reduce the risks of infection (acute dacryocystitis) and potentially lethal septicemia. Here, we report a case of congenital dacryocystocele, antenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis (intrauterine), and postnatal reassessment.

A dacriocistocele congênita é um tipo incomum de obstrução lacrimal. Devido ao risco de se tornar infectada (dacriocistite aguda) e potencialmente letal com septicemia, podemos tratá-la com antibióticos e remoção cirúrgica. Relatamos um caso de dacriocistocele congênita com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico antenatal (intrauterino) e reavaliação pós-natal.

Dacriocistorrinostomia endoscópica: nossa experiência e revisão de literatura / Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: our experience and literature review

Objetivo: Apresentar nossa experiência em dacriocistorrinostomia endoscópica, discutindo os resultados com os encontrados na literatura. Métodos: O material desse estudo consistiu de 16 dacricistorrinostomias realizadas em 12 pacientes acompanhados no período de 2009 a 2011. Analisamos sexo, idade no momento da cirurgia, etiologia da dacriocistite, quadro clínico, número de cirurgias necessárias para a correção, seguimento pós-operatório. Resultados: Houve predomínio do sexo feminino em relação ao masculino (5:1) com idades entre 8 e 71 anos, com média de 35,2 anos. Com relação à etiologia, oito foram classificados como idiopáticos; três, pós-traumáticos e um iatrogênico. Os pacientes foram acompanhados em média durante o período de seis meses, com melhora dos sintomas. Apenas dois pacientes evoluíram com permanência de epífora, sendo um deles reoperado com êxito por via externa. Conclusão:A cirurgia endoscópica endonasal deve ser considerada nos pacientes com obstrução das vias lacrimais, devido ao seu alto índice de sucesso, além de ser um procedimento seguro, com menor morbidade e proporcionar melhor resultado estético.

Objective:To present our experience in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, discussing the results with those found in the literature. Methods: The material in this study consisted of sixteen surgeries performed in twelve patients followed between 2009 to 2011. We analyzed gender, age at surgery, etiology of dacryocystitis, clinical features, number of surgeries required to repair, follow-up. Results: There was a predominance of females compared to males (5:1) aged between 8 and 71 years, mean35.2 years. With regard to etiology, eight were classified as idiopathic, three, posttraumatic, and one, iatrogenic. Patients were followed on average over the period of six months, with improvement of symptoms. Only two patients had persistence of epiphora, one being reoperated successfully by external approach. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal surgery should be considered in patients with lacrimal obstruction, due to its high success rate, besides being safe procedure with less morbidity and give better cosmetic results.

Effects of Nasopore Packing on Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of placement of the absorbable packing material Nasopore at the anastomosis site of newly formed mucosal flaps on postoperative re-bleeding, discomfort, and on the success rate of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: A review of the medical records of patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction that underwent external or endonasal DCR by a single surgeon was performed. The degree of re-bleeding, discomfort, and postoperative results, including anatomical success, functional success and postoperative nasal findings such as granulation, synechiae, and membrane formation were compared in patients whose anastomosis site was packed with either Nasopore or Merocel, a non-absorbable packing material. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients (101 eyes) were included. Of the 101 eyes, 30 were packed with Nasopore, while 71 were packed with Merocel. The Nasopore group showed significantly better results than the Merocel group in the degree of re-bleeding and the level of patient discomfort (p = 0.000, 0.039, respectively; Pearson's chi-square test), whereas there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative anatomical and functional success (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nasopore significantly reduced postoperative nasal re-bleeding and patient discomfort during the early post-surgical period, but failed to show an effect on the postoperative anatomical and functional success of DCR.

Effects of Nasopore Packing on Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of placement of the absorbable packing material Nasopore at the anastomosis site of newly formed mucosal flaps on postoperative re-bleeding, discomfort, and on the success rate of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: A review of the medical records of patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction that underwent external or endonasal DCR by a single surgeon was performed. The degree of re-bleeding, discomfort, and postoperative results, including anatomical success, functional success and postoperative nasal findings such as granulation, synechiae, and membrane formation were compared in patients whose anastomosis site was packed with either Nasopore or Merocel, a non-absorbable packing material. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients (101 eyes) were included. Of the 101 eyes, 30 were packed with Nasopore, while 71 were packed with Merocel. The Nasopore group showed significantly better results than the Merocel group in the degree of re-bleeding and the level of patient discomfort (p = 0.000, 0.039, respectively; Pearson's chi-square test), whereas there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative anatomical and functional success (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nasopore significantly reduced postoperative nasal re-bleeding and patient discomfort during the early post-surgical period, but failed to show an effect on the postoperative anatomical and functional success of DCR.

Recanalização do ducto nasolacrimal com radiofrequência: estudo preliminar / Recanalization of nasolacrimal duct with radio frequency: preliminary study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reconstituição do ducto nasolacrimal com o uso de radiofrequência para restabelecimento do fluxo lacrimal nos casos de obstrução da via lacrimal excretora. MÉTODOS: O procedimento foi realizado em 16 olhos de 16 pacientes (13 femininos e 3 masculinos) pelo mesmo cirurgião, utilizando aparelho de radiofrequência monopolar de 450 kHz e 150 W de potência, com anestesia local sob sedação. Os critérios de inclusão foram obstrução baixa da via lacrimal (confirmada por dacriocistografia) e idade superior a 18 anos. Os critérios de exclusão foram trauma prévio, dacriocistite aguda, fístula cutânea, mucocele, cirurgia prévia da via lacrimal e uso de marca-passo cardíaco. RESULTADOS: O seguimento mínimo foi de 120 dias, os pacientes realizaram retornos ambulatoriais para avaliação clínica (presença de epífora, secreção, refluxo à expressão do saco lacrimal, posicionamento do tubo de silicone) e teste de Milder. Aos 90 dias de pós-operatório, 13 pacientes apresentavam irrigação positiva (81,25%) com desobstrução do ducto nasolacrimal e 3 casos (18,75%) de insucesso com irrigação impossibilitada (sem passagem para cavidade nasal). CONCLUSÃO: A reconstituição do ducto nasolacrimal com radiofrequência mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da obstrução da via lacrimal excretora.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the nasolacrimal duct reconstitution with radio frequency for restoration of lacrimal flow in cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: The procedure was carried out in 16 eyes of 16 patients (13 women and 3 men) by the same surgeon, with monopolar high-frequency device at 450 kHz and 150 W, with local anesthesia under sedation. Inclusion criteria were lower lacrimal system obstruction (confirmed by dacryocystogram) and age over 18 years old. Exclusion criteria were previous trauma, acute dacryocystitis, cutaneous fistula, mucocele, previous lacrimal surgery and cardiac pacemaker. RESULTS: Patients were followed for at least 120 days, patients were clinically evaluated at outpatient clinics for the presence of secretion, epiphora, reflux at compression of the lacrimal sac, placement of silicone tube and Milder test. At the 90-day postoperative visit, 13 patients had positive irrigation (81.25%) with clearance of lacrimal duct and 3 cases (18.75%) presented irrigation failure. CONCLUSION: Nasolacrimal duct reconstitution with radio frequency was effective in treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

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.

Uma nova abordagem para a dacriocistorrinostomia endoscópica / A new approach to endoscopic DCR

OBJETIVO: Comparar uma técnica composta de dacriocistorrinotomia (DCR) endoscópica à técnica convencional. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo no Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia da Faculdade de Medicina Maulana Azad. Trinta pacientes selecionados para DCR endoscópica foram divididos em dois grupos, um submetido à DCR endoscópica convencional e outro tratado com uma técnica mais nova com o uso de cautere, instrumentação fria e laser em diferentes etapas da DCR endoscópica. Os pacientes foram seguidos por nove meses. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSÃO: Com o uso do cautere, instrumentação fria e laser em diferentes etapas da DCR endoscópica, fomos capazes de obter taxa de sucesso de cerca de 94% com a técnica composta em comparação a 83,3% da DCR endoscópica convencional.

AIM: To compare a composite technique of Endoscopic Dacrocystorhinostomy with the conventional technique. METHODS: A randomised prospective study was carried in the department of Otolaryngology Maulana Azad Medical College. Thirty patient selected for Endoscopic DCR were divided into two groups, one of which underwent conventional Endoscopic DCR and the other group were treated with a newer technique using cautery, cold instrumentation and laser at different steps of Endoscopic DCR. The patients were followed up for Nine months. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: By using cautery, cold instrumentation and laser at different steps of Endoscopic DCR we were able to achieve a success rate of around 94% with this composite technique as compared to 83.3% in conventional Endoscopic DCR surgery.

Obstrução de vias lacrimais associada ao tratamento radioiodoterápico de carcinoma de tireoide / Lacrimal drainage system obstruction associated to radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma série de pacientes portadores de obstrução do sistema lacrimal associado à radioiodoterapia para tratamento de carcinoma de tireoide, revisar os dados clínicos e a resposta ao tratamento cirúrgico desta rara complicação. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos achados oftalmológicos de pacientes com histórico de carcinoma de tireoide previamente submetidos à tireoidectomia e à RIT que foram encaminhados para cirurgia de vias lacrimais. RESULTADOS: Dezessete pacientes com carcinoma de tireoide tratados com tireoidectomia e RIT apresentaram obstrução do ducto nasolacrimal sintomática após período médio de 13,2 meses do tratamento do câncer. Onze pacientes tiveram epífora bilateral, 8 com mucocele de saco lacrimal. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 30 e 80 anos, sendo 10 com idade menor ou igual a 49 anos. A dose cumulativa média de radioiodo administrada foi de 571 mCi (variação entre 200-1200 mCi). Sintomas de obstrução nasal e aumento de glândulas salivares ocorreram em 53% dos pacientes. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à dacriocistorrinostomia. Observou-se ainda que nos 3 pacientes mais jovens houve maior sangramento intraoperatótio e dilatação de saco lacrimal. A resolução completa da epífora e da dacriocistite ocorreu em 82,4%, e foi parcial em 17,6% (3 pacientes mantiveram queixa unilateral após a correção da obstrução bilateralmente). O seguimento médio foi de 6 meses (intervalo: 2-24 meses). CONCLUSÕES: Alta dose cumulativa de radioiodo, disfunção nasal e de glândulas salivares estão associadas à obstrução das vias lacrimais. Observa-se uma maior porcentagem de pacientes mais jovens apresentando quadro de dacriocistite quando comparado à dacrioestenose idiopática. A absorção de iodo radioativo pela mucosa do ducto nasolacrimal com subsequente inflamação, edema e fibrose parece ter relação direta com a obstrução do ducto nasolacrimal. O conhecimento desta complicação é importante para o estudo e abordagem correta desses pacientes.

PURPOSE: To report the finding of nasolacrimal drainage system obstruction associated with radio iodine therapy and to review clinical data and the surgical treatment outcome of this rare complication. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed ophthalmological data of patients with history of thyroid carcinoma that underwent radioactive iodine I-131 therapy and were referred to lacrimal surgery. RESULTS: 17 patients with thyroid cancer treated with thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine I-131 therapy presented symptomatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction after 13.2 months following cancer treatment. 11 patients presented bilateral epiphora, 8 had lacrimal sac mucocele. Age range was 30 to 80 years, 10 patients had less than or equal to 49 years. The mean cumulative dose of radioiodine was 571mCi (range: 200-1200 mCi). Nasal obstruction symptoms and increased salivary glands were also present in 53% of patients. All subjects underwent dacryocystorhinostomy. Dilation of the lacrimal sac and increased intraoperative bleeding was also observed in 3 younger patients. Complete epiphora and dacryocystitis resolution after surgery occurred in 82.4%, and partial in 17.6% (3 patients that still presented unilateral relapse after correction of bilateral obstruction). Mean follow-up was 6 months (range: 2-24 months). CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative high dose of radioidine, nasal and salivary gland dysfunction are associated with lacrimal drainage obstruction. We observed a great percentage of younger patients presenting dacryocystitis when compared to the idiopathic dacryostenosis. Radioactive iodine uptake by nasolacrimal duct mucosa with subsequent inflammation, edema and fibrosis seems to have a relationship to lacrimal duct obstruction. The knowledge of this complication is important for the study and proper management of these patients.

Conventional dacryocystorhinostomy in a failed Trans-canalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy.

We report the success rate and problems associated with conventional dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in failed cases of Trans-canalicular, laser-assisted DCR (TCLADCR). Out of 50 patients operated by the TCLADCR technique during the period 2005 – 2006, 33 patients had failure, which was confirmed on syringing of the nasolacrimal passage. Before considering them for conventional DCR, a thorough ear, nose, throat (ENT) examination was done by an ENT surgeon, to rule out a nasal pathology. All the patients were operated by the conventional standard DCR method at a medical college. While performing the surgery, the problems that came across were identified and noted. The success rate was found to be 91% in this study in a follow-up period of one year, with no major intra-operative problems. Conventional DCR is still a gold standard and should be considered as a procedure of choice in failed cases of TCLDCR.

Functional and cosmetic results of a lower eyelid crease approach for external dacryocystorhinostomy / Resultados cosméticos e funcionais na dacriocistorrinostomia com incisão transpalpebral

PURPOSE: External dacryocystorhinostomy is routinely performed through a cutaneous vertical incision placed on the lateral aspect of the nose. The lower eyelid crease approach has been seldom reported. The purpose of this study is to report the cosmetic and functional results of the lid crease approach for external dacryocystorhinostomy in a series of patients. METHODS: Prospective, interventional case series. Twenty-five consecutive patients (17 women) ranging in age from 3 to 85 years (mean ± SD= 44.84 ± 23.67) were included in the study. All patients but one underwent unilateral external dacryocystorhinostomy with a 10 to 15 mm horizontal incision placed on a subciliary relaxed eyelid tension line. The inner canthus was photographed with a Nikon D70S digital camera with a macrolens and resolution of 3008 x 2000 pixels at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The resulting scar was judged from the photographs by 3 observers (ophthalmologist, plastic and head and neck surgeons) according to a four level scale (1= unapparent, 2= minimally visible, 3= moderately visible, 4= very visible). RESULTS: The surgery was easily performed in all patients with a 90.48 percent success. Three of the elderly patients (ages 61, 79 and 85 yr) developed mild lacrimal punctum ectropion, which resolved with conservative treatment. One patient had a hypometric blink which spontaneously recovered within one month. The mean score for scar visibility was 2.19 (1st mo), 1.65 (3th mo) and 1.44 (6th mo). CONCLUSIONS: The eyelid crease approach is an excellent option for external dacryocystorhinostomy. It leaves an unapparent scar since the first month after surgery, even in younger patients. The functional results are excellent and comparable to other techniques. Care should be taken in elderly patients with lower eyelid laxity in order to prevent lacrimal punctum ectropion.

OBJETIVOS: A dacriocistorrinostomia externa é classicamente realizada por meio de incisão cutânea nasal. Há poucos relatos sobre a incisão transpalpebral, posicionada no sulco infraciliar da pálpebra inferior. O presente estudo tem por objetivo relatar os aspectos cosméticos e funcionais utilizando a técnica transpalpebral. MÉTODOS: Série de casos, intervencional e prospectivo. Foram incluídos 25 pacientes consecutivos (17 mulheres) com idades variando de 3 a 85 anos (média ± dp= 44,84 ± 23,67), que apresentavam dacriocistite crônica. A dacriocistorrinostomia foi unilateral em 24 casos e bilateral em 1 caso. A incisão transpalpebral foi posicionada no sulco infraciliar medial, com extensão de 10 a 15 mm. Foram realizadas fotografias digitais do canto interno (Nikon D70S, lente macro, resolução de 3008 x 2000 pixels) nos tempos pós-operatórios 1, 3 e 6 meses. A visibilidade da cicatriz foi avaliada por 3 observadores (oftalmologista, cirurgião plástico e cirurgião de cabeça e pescoço) utilizando a seguinte escala: 1= imperceptível, 2= minimamente visível, 3= moderadamente visível, 4= muito visível. RESULTADOS: A DCR foi realizada sem dificuldades e com sucesso funcional em 90,48 por cento dos casos. A pontuação média para visibilidade da cicatriz foi de 2,19 (1º mês), 1,65 (3º mês) e 1,44 (6º mês). Houve 3 casos de ectrópio leve do ponto lacrimal que foram tratados conservadoramente. Um paciente apresentou piscar espontâneo incompleto, com resolução no primeiro mês de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: A incisão transpalpebral é uma excelente via de acesso para realização da dacriocistorrinostomia. A cicatriz é pouco visível desde o primeiro mês após a cirurgia, mesmo em pacientes mais jovens. Os resultados funcionais são semelhantes ao das outras técnicas. Em pacientes mais idosos é necessário avaliação cuidadosa da frouxidão palpebral a fim de evitar a indução de ectrópio lacrimal.

Dacriocistite aguda: relato de 2 casos / Acute dacryocystitis: two cases reports

A obstrução da via lacrimal no adulto pode ser congênita ou adquirida. No caso da forma adquirida, a etiologia se classifica em não específicas (o que envolve o epitélio de revestimento e/ou o plexo vascular submucoso do ducto lácrimo-nasal) e específicas (infecções, inflamações, traumatismos, tumores e iatrogenias). O diagnóstico é estabelecido por meio da anamnese, seguida de avaliação clínica baseada na semiologia das vias lacrimais. Os pacientes acometidos pela obstrução da via lacrimal apresentam epífora, dores agudas e tumefação, principalmente na região do saco lacrimal, ocasionando ainda ectasia do mesmo em grau variável, podendo culminar com fistulização cutânea. Ao exame por imagem, utilizamos rotineiramente a dacriocistografia, que representa um ótimo meio de indicar a técnica cirúrgica mais viável. A dacriocistorrinostomia é indicada assim que for tratado o quadro clínico agudo inflamatório.

The adult lacrimal obstruction can be congenital or acquired. In the case of the acquired form, the etiology classifies in not-specific (it involves the coating epithelium and/or the vascular plexus submucosae of the lacrimal duct) and specific (infections, inflammations, tumours and iatrogenies). The diagnosis is established by means of the anamnesis and clinical evaluation based on semiology of the lacrimal sack. The patients with lacrimal obstruction present epiphora, acute pains and swelling, mostly in the region of the lacrimal sack causing ectasye of various degrees whichn culminate with cutaneous fistulization. The image exams routinely proposed for dacryocysto-graphy, which represent a great help in showing the best surgical technique for dacryocystorhinostomy, will be indicated as soon as the acute inflammatory state is treated.

Dacryocystorhinostomy: history, evolution and future directions

Dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR] is a procedure of choice for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has a high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR

Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy.

Objective: We present a prospective, non-comparative case series study of 126 consecutive diode laser-assisted transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) procedures on 122 patients. We analyzed success rate, procedure time and amount of laser energy needed for a 5 mm osteotomy. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia, and the nasal mucosa was anesthetized. An endoscope was used for examination of the lacrimal pathways. The site of osteotomy was determined with transillumination of the lateral nasal wall. We achieved osteotomy by applying laser energy via an optic fiber. We used a 980 nm diode laser with power of 10 Watts. We inserted a bicanalicular silicone stent as the last step. Success of procedure was absence of epiphora (subjective), or patency of the lacrimal drainage system on irrigation (objective). Results: We performed 126 successive endoscopic laser (EL-DCR) with bicanalicular intubation in 122 patients. The average procedure time was 12 min, and on average 245 Joules of laser energy was needed. The silicone stents were removed three to eight months after surgery. We observed absence of epiphora and a patent nasolacrimal duct on irrigation in 105 out of 126 treated eyes. Eighteen patients had epiphora despite a patent nasolacrimal duct on irrigation. This yields a success rate of 83.3%, with an average follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusions: The 980 nm EL-DCR with bicanalicular intubation is a new contribution to the field of lacrimal surgery. It is a minimally invasive quick procedure yielding a high success rate.

Combined posterior flap and anterior suspended flap dacryocystorhinostomy: a modification of external dacryocystorhinostomy

External dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR] remains a reliable surgical technique for the treatment of obstruction of lacrimal drainage system beyond the common canalicular opening. To describe a simple modified double flap external DCR technique. Ninety six consecutive cases of chronic dacryocystitis with or without mucocele were selected irrespective of age and sex. In a modification to routine external DCR, a modified technique was followed, where both anterior and posterior flaps of lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa are created and sutured. Two double armed sutures were used to join the edges of anterior flaps, and elevate them anteriorly to avoid adhesion or apposition with underlying sutured posterior flaps, and to approximate the deep plane of the wound. At the end of average follow-up period of 13 months, we observed 98.9% objective and 95.8% subjective success rates. The average operation time was 45 minutes. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were noticed. We believe that combined posterior flap and anterior suspended flap DCR technique is simple to perform and has the advantage of both double flap DCR and anterior suspension of anterior flaps. The results of the study showed the efficacy of this simple modification

A rare cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus.

The most common abnormality of the lacrimal drainage system is congenital or acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The causes of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction may be primary or secondary. The secondary acquired obstructions may result from infection, inflammation, neoplasm, trauma or mechanical causes. The maxillary sinus cysts usually obstruct the nasolacrimal duct mechanically. Dentigerous cysts are one of the main types of maxillary cysts. These cysts are benign odontogenic cysts which are associated with the crowns of unerupted teeth. The clinical documentations of mechanical nasolacrimal duct obstructions due to a dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus are very rare in literature. In this case report, we describe a dentigerous cyst with a supernumerary tooth in the maxillary sinus in an 11-year-old male child causing an obstruction to the nasolacrimal duct. The case was successfully managed surgically by Caldwell Luc approach.

Complicações na dacriocistorrinostomia transcanalicular com laser diodo: complications / Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser: complications

OBJETIVO: Analisar as complicações da aplicação do laser de diodo para o tratamento da obstrução nasolacrimal adquirida. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados 44 procedimentos (dacriocistorrinostomia transcanalicular com laser de diodo com intubação bicanalicular de silicone sob anestesia local) entre fevereiro de 2002 a novembro de 2007 em 41 pacientes (3 bilateralmente), sendo 32 mulheres e 9 homens. RESULTADOS: As complicações mais frequentes no intraoperatório foram: dificuldade de passar a sonda de Crawford (13,6 por cento) e passagem da fibra óptica dificultada (11,3 por cento). No pós-operatório, a epífora foi a ocorrência mais frequente (15,9 por cento), seguida pela retirada acidental do silastic (11,3 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Os índices de complicações intra e pós-operatórias se equivalem aos artigos publicados com a mesma técnica cirúrgica (e mesmo tipo de laser).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the complications of the use of diode laser in the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal obstruction. METHODS: Forty four procedures (transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation and local anesthesia) where performed from February 2002 to November 2007 in 41 patients (3 bilaterally), 32 women and 9 men. RESULTS: The most common intraoperative complications were disability to pass the Crawford probe (13.6 percent) and the laser probe (11.3 percent). Regarding postoperative complications, epiphora was the event of higher frequency (15.9 percent) followed by the non-intentional silastic extrusion by the patient (11.3 percent). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative and postoperative complications rate were similar of others articles that demonstrated the same surgical technique (with same laser).

Resultados e complicações da entubação bicanalicular em dacriocistorrinostomia externa / Results and complications of bicanalicular intubation in external dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJETIVO: Analisar a taxa de sucesso e complicações em pacientes com obstrução lacrimal, submetidos à entubação bicanalicular na cirurgia de dacriocistorrinostomia externa (DCR-Ex). MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os dados dos pacientes operados no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo. A entubação lacrimal foi realizada com tubo de silicone, removido após oito semanas. O sucesso da cirurgia foi considerado nos casos de pacientes sem epífora ou secreção ocular no pós-operatório, com boa passagem de fluido para a narina ou orofaringe. As complicações relacionadas com o tubo de silicone foram agrupadas em uma tabela. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes foram operados no período de abril de 2002 a julho de 2006, com tempo de seguimento médio de três meses. Do total de 65 olhos obteve-se uma taxa de sucesso de 89,2 por cento. Sete pacientes apresentaram epífora no pós-operatório, dos quais 5 foram reoperados. Em 7 olhos houve extrusão do silicone com menos de 15 dias de pós-operatório, e neste grupo 1 paciente necessitou de reoperação. Seis olhos apresentaram complicações com o silicone: prolapso do tubo (4 casos), formação de granuloma na cavidade nasal (1 caso) e aderência dos pontos lacrimais (1 caso). COCLUSÕES: Este grupo de pacientes apresentou taxa elevada de sucesso (89,2 por cento) com a cirurgia de DCR-Ex associada à entubação bicanalicular. A entubação intra-operatória com tubo de silicone não é isenta de complicações.

PURPOSE: To analyze the success rate and complications in patients with lacrimal obstruction submitted to surgeries. METHODS: The data of patients operated in the "Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual of São Paulo" were analyzed. The lacrimal intubation was performed with a silicone tube, removed after 8 weeks. Surgeries were considered successful in those cases where patients had no postoperative epiphora or ocular secretion, and with a good passage of fluid to the nose or oropharynx. The complications related to the silicone tube were grouped in a table. RESULTS: The patients were operated from April 2002 to July 2006 with an average follow-up period of three months. In a total of 65 eyes, success was obtained in 89.2 percent of the cases. Seven patients presented postoperative epiphora, and 5 of them were reoperated. In 7 eyes there was an extrusion of the silicone in less than 15 days from surgery, and in this group one patient needed a reoperation. Six eyes presented complications with the silicone: tube prolapse (4 cases), granuloma formation in the nasal cavity (1 case) and lacrimal puncta adhesion (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: This group of patients presented a high success rate with Ex-DCR surgery associated with lacrimal intubation. The intraoperative intubation with silicone tube is not free of complications.

Endo-DCR: is it an end of the road for external DCR?

Endo-DCR is a safe, quick, less traumatic, with minimal blood loss and post-operative discomfort and last but not the least, avoids external scar. It has high success rate in both primary and secondary cases. Fifty two cases of chronic dacryocystitis were treated by the endoscopic technique including 33 females and 19 males in mean age group 35.8 year, 29 left eye and 23 right eye with 8 patients cannulated with nasolacrimal tube with very good results and few complications.