Clinical Results of Anti-adhesion Adjuvants after Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: Various absorbable anti-adhesion agents have been used to prevent postoperative synechia formation after endonasal surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-adhesion effects of HyFence and Mediclore after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) compared to a mixed solution of hyaluronic acid and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Guardix-Sol). METHODS: In this retrospective study, endonasal DCR and silicone tube intubation were performed on 198 eyes of 151 patients. Three different anti-adhesion adjuvants were applied to the osteotomy site in the nasal cavity after standard endonasal DCR procedures. The subjects were classified into three respective groups: group A (71 eyes, Guardix-Sol 1.5 g), group B (89 eyes, HyFence 1.5 mL), and group C (38 eyes, Mediclore 1 cc). The three groups were evaluated by asking patients about subjective symptoms and by performing lacrimal irrigation tests and endoscopic examinations. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, timing of tube removal, or follow-up period among the three groups. There were no statistically significant differences in success rates among the three groups (p = 0.990, 91.5% [65 / 71], 92.1% [82 / 89], and 92.1% [35 / 38], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HyFence and Mediclore are safe and effective adjunctive modalities following endonasal DCR compared to Guardix-Sol. Therefore, these agents can be considered good alternatives to Guardix-Sol to increase the success rate of endonasal DCR in treating patients with poor prognosis.

Characteristics in Patients with and without Previous Dacryocystitis and Satisfaction after Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To compare characteristics in patients with and without previous dacryocystitis and satisfaction after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 156 eyes of 116 patients who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy at our Hospital from May 2011 to December 2015. The patients were grouped into those with pre-operative dacryocystitis and those without dacryocystitis. Each patient group was characterized retrospectively, followed by a telephone survey regarding post-operative satisfaction. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (66 eyes) had dacryocystitis, whereas 58 patients (90 eyes) did not. Patients' mean age was 64.9 years old. The mean duration of symptoms in patients with and without dacryocystitis was 11 and 20 months, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p 0.05). Post-operative satisfaction was higher in patients with dacryocystitis, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-operative dacryocystitis were characterized by a shorter duration of symptoms and higher post-operative satisfaction. This finding implies that post-operative satisfaction could be lower in patients without dacryocystitis, which should be noted.

Prognostic Factors Associated with Surgical Time of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic factors associated with surgical time of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: From April 2009 to June 2014, 66 eyes of 66 patients who underwent endonasal DCR for 5-year periods were retrospectively evaluated with regard to surgical time and several other factors. The factors were patient factors (age, sex), category of diagnosis (inflammation and non-inflammation), and systemic factors (diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], anticoagulant agents, sinusitis history). We divided the study period into three subperiods and compared their surgical time. The anatomical factor of thickness of the maxillary frontal process was evaluated by computed tomography (CT), as was the existence of symptom recurrence after surgery and reoperation according to surgical time. A total of 66 cases (right: 31, left: 35) were included. Any case with concurrent surgery, abnormal structure of the nasal cavity, or bilateral DCR was excluded. RESULTS: Average surgical time was 49.95 minutes. Surgical time of endonasal DCR was short in inflammatory cases (p = 0.047), in the third surgical period (p = 0.001), and was correlated with thickness of the maxillary frontal process (p = 0.001). In addition, surgical time correlated with the existence of symptom recurrence after surgery and reoperation (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: It is considered that surgeon skill affects surgical time, and the thickness of the maxillary frontal process by CT will aid in the prediction of surgical time and success rate of endonasal DCR.

Cause and Management of Patients With Failed Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVES: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a well-established treatment method in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. However, there are a few reports about the overall management of failed endonasal DCR. We investigated the causes and management strategies of failed endonasal DCR. METHODS: This retrospective review included 61 patients (61 eyes) who had undergone revision surgery by the same surgeon after failed endonasal DCR between January 2008 and December 2012. The appropriate revision method was determined after analysis of the etiology of failure by the fluorescein dye disappearance test, nasal endoscopy, lacrimal irrigation, and probing. The criteria for success of the revision surgery were defined by the passage of fluid without resistance upon lacrimal irrigation and normalization of the tear meniscus height. RESULTS: The mean duration between the primary endonasal DCR and revision surgery was 15.3 months. The average follow-up period after revision surgery was 12.2 months. The most common cause of endoscopic revision surgery was membranous obstruction. Endoscopic revision surgery was performed in 48 patients, while lacrimal silicone tube intubation under endoscopy was performed in 13 patients. The most common indication for lacrimal silicone tube intubation was functional epiphora. The overall success rate of the revision surgery was 89%. CONCLUSION: The most common cause of failed endonasal DCR was membranous obstruction. When patients with failed endonasal DCR presented at the clinic, it is important to identify the cause of the failure. Revision surgery could increase the final success rate of endonasal DCR.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Findings for Patients with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction or Stenosis

PURPOSE: To identify and analyze the role of preoperative computed tomography (CT) in patients with tearing symptoms with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and CT results on 218 patients who complained of tearing symptoms with NLDO between January 2014 and December 2014. All patients were recruited from Kim's Eye Hospital's outpatient clinic and assessed by clinical history, examination, and CT to evaluate periocular pathology and nasolacrimal drainage system. Patients with abnormal findings assessed by preoperative CT were further reviewed. RESULTS: CT was performed on 218 patients (average age, 58.2 ± 11.9 years). Of these, 196 (89.9%) had endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, 14 (6.4%) declined surgery, and 8 (3.7%) were inoperable due to abnormal CT findings. Soft tissue opacity was the most common finding which 243 cases (85.9%) of 283 obstructed nasolacrimal duct and 89 cases (81.7%) of 109 non-obstructed nasolacrimal duct showed it. Thirty-nine (17.8%) of 218 patients showed either maxillary sinusitis or ethmoidal sinusitis and 32 (14.7%) of 218 patients presented with periocular inflammation. Other abnormal CT findings included septal deviations, previous fractures, masses, and structural abnormalities of nasal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT imaging is useful in the assessment of both nasolacrimal drainage and nearby anatomical structures. This information will be helpful in planning surgical interventions and management of NLDO.

Prognostic Factors for Successful Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors useful for predicting the surgical outcome of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 117 eyes of 94 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and were followed up for more than 6 months. Factors associated with successful surgery were analyzed based on the preoperative and intraoperative factors and postoperative clinical features. Preoperative factors such as age, gender, laterality, presence or absence of hypertension, and diabetes were analyzed. Intraoperative factors such as use of triamcinolone, removal of uncinate process or middle turbinate during surgery, and location of the sac were analyzed. The postoperative clinical features including high tear meniscus, no intranasal silicone tube movement, and no air reflux feeling were each given a score of 1. Based on aggregate score, the patients were divided into 2 groups, the high score and low score groups and analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: The success rate was 91.5%. Patients with diabetes showed a significantly low success rate (73.3%, p = 0.007). In patients with high tear meniscus at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after surgery, the success rate was significantly low (76.9%, 81.8% and 75.0%; p = 0.003, p = 0.029 and p = 0.002, respectively). The low score group at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery showed a significantly high success rate (100% and 95.9%; p < 0.001 and p = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Besides preoperative and intraoperative factors, the early postoperative clinical features are important for predicting the success of the surgery. If tear meniscus is high and there is no intranasal silicone tube movement and air reflux from the punctum in the early stages after surgery, more active management from the initial treatment is needed.

The Clinical Efficacy of Cutanplast(R) Nasal Packing after Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of Cutanplast(R) nasal packing after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: The present study included a total of 76 adult patients (98 eyes) with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. Fifty-four eyes were packed with Cutanplast(R) and 44 eyes were packed with Merocel(R). Patient discomfort while the packing was in situ, degree of bleeding during the day after operation, functional and anatomical success rate, and postoperative complications such as synechiae, granulation, wound healing (osteal mucosal epithelium epithelization), and revision rate were compared between the packing materials. RESULTS: The Cutanplast(R) was significantly more comfortable and effective at preventing hemorrhage after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy during the day following the operation. There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative anatomical and functional surgical success rate at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. In comparison with postoperative complications, the Cutanplast(R) group showed a lower incidence of delayed wound healing (delayed epithelialization of the osteal mucosal epithelium) than the Merocel(R) group, whereas there was no difference in granulation, synechiae, or revision rate. CONCLUSIONS: The Cutanplast(R) nasal pack resulted in significantly less discomfort and less bleeding compared to the Merocel(R) nasal pack. Moreover, the Cutanplast(R) showed a lower proportion of delayed wound healing after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and had the advantage of low cost compared to other hemostatic nasal packing materials. Therefore, Cutanplast(R) nasal packing after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy can be considered a comfortable, cost-effective and clinically-effective method.

Surgical Outcomes of Endonasal Revision Surgery for Failed DCR According to Number of Silicone Tubes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the effects of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted endonasal revision surgery according to the number of silicone tubes. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (70 eyes) who underwent revision surgery using transcanalicular diode laser for failed primary endonasal DCR at Sungmo Eye Hospital between March 2007 and December 2012 were studied retrospectively. The causes of failed DCR and the time of recurrence were evaluated. The revision surgeries were endoscopic removal of granuloma and membrane and synechiolysis with intubation of 1 or 2 silicone tubes. We compared the results of revision surgery with 1 silicone tube and 2 silicone tube intubations. RESULTS: Recurrence occurred after a mean duration of 4.6 months following the first DCR. The causes of surgical failure were granuloma (35 eyes), membranous obstruction (23 eyes), synechia (7 eyes), and functional obstruction (5 eyes). We performed revision surgery with 1 silicone tube intubation in 45 eyes (group A) and 2 silicone tube intubations in 25 eyes (group B). The final success rates in groups A and B were 75.6% (34/45) and 84% (21/25), respectively (chi-square test, p = 0.828). CONCLUSIONS: Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted endonasal revision surgery with 2 silicone tubes is not recommended.

Analysis of the Results Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy Related to Nasal Cavity State

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship of nasal cavity state and surgical results after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 306 eyes of 204 patients between January 2007 and December 2011. The correlation between the existence of preoperative nasal cavity abnormality, postoperative nasal cavity complications after proper management of nasal cavity abnormality, and postoperative nasal cavity complications according to nasal packing material were investigated. We analyzed the success rates and the correlation between each set of factors. RESULTS: The success rate of primary operations performed six months after tube removal was 87.3% (267/306). The success rate after secondary revision, granuloma removal and punctoplasty was 90.5% (277/306). Postoperative nasal cavity complications were inspected in 40 eyes. Of the 306 eyes, patients treated with Nasopore showed significantly more postoperative nasal cavity complications (47.8%, 32/67) than in patients treated with Merocel (3.3%, 8/239). The rate of postoperative nasal cavity complications was 8.7% in patients with normal nasal cavity, 16.7% in patients who received treatment, and 20% in patients without treatment, with significant statistical increase if the nasal cavity was abnormal (p = 0.019). The incidence of complications influenced the primary success rate (p = 0.008); however, preoperative nasal cavity abnormalities were not correlated with primary success (p = 0.479). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of endonasal DCR, preoperative nasal cavity abnormality and type of nasal packing material used did not affect the success rate but significantly affected postoperative nasal cavity complications. In conclusion, endonasal DCR with preoperative treatment of nasal cavity abnormality and Merocel packing is expected to reduce postoperative nasal cavity complications and increase patient satisfaction.

Analysis of the Results Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy Related to Nasal Cavity State

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship of nasal cavity state and surgical results after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 306 eyes of 204 patients between January 2007 and December 2011. The correlation between the existence of preoperative nasal cavity abnormality, postoperative nasal cavity complications after proper management of nasal cavity abnormality, and postoperative nasal cavity complications according to nasal packing material were investigated. We analyzed the success rates and the correlation between each set of factors. RESULTS: The success rate of primary operations performed six months after tube removal was 87.3% (267/306). The success rate after secondary revision, granuloma removal and punctoplasty was 90.5% (277/306). Postoperative nasal cavity complications were inspected in 40 eyes. Of the 306 eyes, patients treated with Nasopore showed significantly more postoperative nasal cavity complications (47.8%, 32/67) than in patients treated with Merocel (3.3%, 8/239). The rate of postoperative nasal cavity complications was 8.7% in patients with normal nasal cavity, 16.7% in patients who received treatment, and 20% in patients without treatment, with significant statistical increase if the nasal cavity was abnormal (p = 0.019). The incidence of complications influenced the primary success rate (p = 0.008); however, preoperative nasal cavity abnormalities were not correlated with primary success (p = 0.479). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of endonasal DCR, preoperative nasal cavity abnormality and type of nasal packing material used did not affect the success rate but significantly affected postoperative nasal cavity complications. In conclusion, endonasal DCR with preoperative treatment of nasal cavity abnormality and Merocel packing is expected to reduce postoperative nasal cavity complications and increase patient satisfaction.

Intranasal Procedures for Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To describe the rate of surgical intervention to the intranasal structures for making a sufficient bony ostium in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: Video records of 52 Korean patients (66 eyes) who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy between January 2010 and December 2010 for primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction were reviewed. To locate the internal common punctum in the lateral nasal wall, a transcanalicular illumination device consisting of disposable vitrectomy light pipe was introduced horizontally through the canaliculus. The relative position of the internal common punctum to the operculum of the middle turbinate was divided into 4 types and analyzed according to the intranasal surgical procedures necessary. RESULTS: Internal common punctum was located posterior-superior to the operculum of the middle turbinate in 37 cases (56%), anterior-superior in 16 cases (24%), posterior-inferior in 11 cases (17%) and anterior-inferior in 2 cases (3%). To expose the bony ostium, partial removal of the operculum of the middle turbinate was required in 63 cases (95%), anterior middle turbinectomy in 43 cases (65%), uncinectomy in 62 cases (94%) and opening of the agger nasi cell in 45 cases (68%). CONCLUSIONS: In a majority of patients, partial removal of the middle turbinate, uncinate process and agger nasi cell were necessary to create a sufficient bony ostium. The transcanalicular illumination device is useful to locate the lacrimal sac and can be helpful in understanding the intranasal structures which need to be removed during surgery.

The Effect of Dacryocystorhinostomy and Septoplasty Combination Surgery for Lacrimal Obstruction with Septal Deviation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and septoplasty combination surgery for lacrimal obstruction in patients with nasal septal deviation. METHODS: The study group consisted of 24 eyes of 24 lacrimal obstruction patients with nasal septal deviation who had undergone endonasal DCR combined with septoplasty from 2006 to 2012. The types of lacrimal obstruction included nasolacrimal duct obstruction (18 cases), common canaliculus obstruction (5 cases) and lower lacrimal duct obstruction (1 case). The operations' procedure was as follows: first, an otorhinolaryngologist performed septoplasty and then, an ophthalmologist performed endonasal DCR. For catamnesis observation after the surgery, the operations' results and nasal complications were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 24 eyes of 24 patients were included in the present study. Eight patients were males, 16 patients were females and the mean patient age was 52.1 years. During 15.5 months of catamnesis, loss of epiphora was observed in 20 cases, improvement in epiphora was found in 3 cases, and the functional and anatomical success rate was 95.8% (23/24). Eight cases of postoperative complication were observed, 7 cases of granuloma were found in the bony ostium and surrounding area, and 1 case of synechia was found in the nasal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: The combination surgery of endonasal DCR and septoplasty provides a wider surgical view, allowing for an easier nasal cavity treatment, rendering the operation and after-care less difficult, as well as reducing the risk of surrounding tissue damage. This method is adequate for preventing complications after surgery and offers a better prognosis.

A Case of Juvenile Xanthogranuloma in the Lacrimal Sac

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of juvenile xanthogranuloma in the lacrimal sac. CASE SUMMARY: An 8-year-old female presented to our hospital with epiphora and palpable mass on the left medial canthal area. As a symptom, a sticky and bloody discharge through the punctum had begun on occasion 3 months previously. When pressure was applied on the left medial canthal area, a mucoid discharge through the punctum occurred, and a solid mass was palpable. The mass localized in the lacrimal sac and upper nasolacrimal duct was observed on orbit CT. No invasion into the surrounding tissue was present. The authors of the present study decided to perform endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, and subsequently a skin-colored mass was found in the lacrimal sac. The histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis was histiocytic proliferation, compatible with juvenile xanthogranuloma. Six months later, the patient complained of epiphora recurrence with palpable mass on medial canthal area. The tumor recurrence was confirmed with enhanced orbit CT finding 14 months after the first surgery. A second surgery using endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed to remove the mass.

Clinical Application of Polyether Ester Urethane in Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of intraoperative application of polyether ester urethane (Nasopore(R)) in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed on 77 eyes diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction between January 2010 and February 2011. Nasopore(R) was applied to the newly-formed internal lacrimal opening in the experimental group (41 eyes), and vaseline gauze was applied in the control group (36 eyes). For the evaluation of clinical effects regarding postoperative adhesion and stenosis of the internal lacrimal opening, subjective symptom improvement, lacrimal irrigation tests, and endoscopic examinations were performed at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: In subjective symptom improvement and lacrimal irrigation tests, differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. In endoscopic findings, the Nasopore(R) group showed significantly lower severity of adhesion and stenosis of the internal lacrimal opening at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after operation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of the Nasopore(R) may effectively reduce initial postoperative adhesion or stenosis of the internal lacrimal opening after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and has usefulness as an auxiliary method.

The Influence of a Silicone Tube on Tear Drainage in Patients with Healed Rhinostomy after Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of a silicone tube on tear drainage in patients with a healed rhinostomy site after dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: The subjects of the present study included the patients for whom the removal of a silicone tube was performed after dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The silicone tube was removed after the rhinostomy site was completely healed. The tear drainage function was evaluated using the fluorescein dye disappearance test at the following 3 time points: immediately before, immediately after, and 1 month after silicone tube removal. In addition, a Schirmer test was performed and tear break-up time was measured at each time point. To study the correlation between the measured values and subjective tearing symptoms, self-report questionnaires were given to each patient at his/her last visit. RESULTS: The 3 measured values showed no statistical difference between the 3 time points, immediately before, immediately after, and 1 month after silicone tube removal. When the patients were divided into groups according to their subjective symptomatic changes after silicone tube removal, no group showed statistically significant difference in the 3 measured values before, between, and after silicone tube removal. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a healed rhinostomy site after dacryocystorhinostomy, the removal of the silicone tube did not induce a change of tear drainage function. Therefore, based on the results from the present study, a silicone tube may not have influence on tear drainage functions.

The Efficacy of Preoperative Routine Otorhinolaryngologic Referral Before Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To determine if routine otorhinolaryngologic referral prior to endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is necessary. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-seven eyes of 178 patients who were supposed to undergo EN-DCR were prospectively analyzed. Nasal endoscopy was performed by an ophthalmologist and the patients who had severe abnormality were referred to an otorhinolaryngologist. The patients were classified into 3 groups after a preoperative examination by an ophthalmologist and an otorhinolaryngologist; the number and success rate of each group were then investigated. Group A consisted of patients who had no nasal cavity abnormality, Group B consisted of patients with a nasal cavity abnormality but who received no treatment, and Group C consisted of patients who had a nasal cavity abnormality and received otorhinolaryngologic treatment. RESULTS: The number of subjects in each group was 156 in Group A (87.7%), 12 in Group B (6.7%), and 10 in Group C (5.6%). The number of patients who were referred to the otorhinolaryngologist was 22 (12.3%). There was no statistical significance of success rate between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Routine nasal endoscopic examination should be performed by an ophthalmologist prior to EN-DCR. Only patients with severe abnormal findings should be referred to an otorhinolaryngologist as the results from the present study show the percentage of patients having significant nasal abnormalities was found to be low (12%) and the success rate of EN-DCR revealed no statistical significance between the groups. This could help patients by saving time and expense.

Results of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy with Lacrimal Sac Flap and Silastic Sheet

PURPOSE: To investigate postoperative outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using lacrimal sac flap and silastic sheet in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: From November 2009 until December 2010, endonasal DCR with lacrimal sac flap was performed in 26 eyes (group 1) and conventional DCR without flap in 28 eyes (group 2). The anatomic and functional success rates and complications were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The anatomical success rate was 96.2% in group 1 and 85.7% in group 2. The functional success rate was 100% in group 1 and 92.9% in group 2. The success rate was higher in group 1 than in group 2, although not being statistically significant. Granuloma was found in 15.4% of patients in group 1 and 32.1% of patients in group 2. Synechia or membranous obstruction was not found in group 1, whereas synechia developed in 14.3% of patients in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal DCR with lacrimal sac flap showed a greater success rate and lower formation of granuloma than conventional endonasal DCR without flap because of reduced inflammation and granulation tissue formation around retained bony spicles.

Learning Curve for Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To determine the learning curve of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) performed by a single oculoplastic surgeon after one year of fellowship training. METHODS: This retrospective review study comprised nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients that underwent endonasal DCR at our hospital between February 2006 and February 2008. The patients that completed at least six months of follow-up were included in the analysis. Exclusion criteria were patients less than 20 years of age and NLD obstructions due to malignancy or canalicular obstructions. Success was defined as duct patency on syringing at the final follow-up and no complaints of epiphora. RESULTS: Out of 161 eyes, the overall surgical success rate was 83.2% (134/161 eyes) and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 6.5 months (6-18 months). Success rates gradually increased as follows: 71.2% (37/52 eyes) for the first group, 88.7% (47/53 eyes) for the second group, and 89.3% (50/56 eyes) for the third group (second and third group compared to first group, p = 0.025, p = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To ensure high DCR success rates, the novice surgeon should perform at least 50 surgeries.

Clinical Effect of the Mixed Solution of Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose After Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a mixed solution of sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (HACMC, Guardix-sol(R)) for reducing postoperative adhesion after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed on 58 patients with obstructions of the nasolacrimal system. We divided the 58 patients into two groups. At the completion of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, HACMC was applied to the operative site in the experimental group (n=26) and normal saline was applied in the control group (n=32). For the evaluation of clinical effectsand postoperative adhesion, subjective symptom score evaluations, lacrimal irrigation tests, fluorescein disappearance tests, and endoscopic examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The HACMC-treated patients showed better results than the control patients for subjective symptom scores, lacrimal irrigation tests, and fluorescein disappearance tests, but these differences were not statistically significant. Upon endoscopic examination, the HACMC group revealed lower incidence of adhesion at 1 week after surgery and lower severity of adhesion throughout the period of observation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of a mixed solution of HACMC may effectively reduce postoperative adhesion after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

Dacryocystocele in Adult: A Report of Five Cases

PURPOSE: To report the clinical findings and the treatments of patients with dacryocystocele, presenting as an uncommon mass in the medial canthal area of adults. CASE SUMMARY: Five patients, diagnosed with dacryocystocele, complained of epiphora and mucopurulent discharge and were found to have a medial canthal mass. Four of these patients presented with symptoms of acute dacryocystitis. One patient underwent repeated endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (endonasal DCR) with silicone implantation, but the epiphora returned a few months after the treatment. The patient then received external dacryocystorhinostomy (external DCR) with silicone implantation. Two patients experienced recurrence after the first endonasal DCR and, therefore, received repeat endonasal DCR with silicone implantation via a maximum excision of the enlarged lacrimal sac. One patient underwent external DCR with silicone implantation due to acute inflammation with chronic dacryocystitis, and one attempted conservative treatment after refusing any surgical procedure but suffered a relapse. In the surgical cases, no patients experienced recurrence after the final procedure, and they all had a favorable course during the 6 to 14 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Dacryocystocele in adults always requires a surgical procedure. Additional maximum excision of the lateral wall of an enlarged lacrimal sac could be performed to reduce the possibility of recurrence.