Use of Mitomycin C in treatment of adult epiphora with blocked nasolacrimal duct

ABSTRACT

Evaluation and comparison of the safety and efficacy of low dose of mitomycin C [02 mg/ml] with lacrimal probing and silicone intubation in adult epiphora, were performed in 46 eyes of 36 adult patients suffering from epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. They were divided into 2 groups-Group I included 25 eyes treated by probing of NLD with adjunctive washing the duct with MMC. Group II included 21 eyes treated by silicone intubation after lubricating the tube within MMC. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. In group I, NLD remained open in 18 eyes [72%] 6 months after the procedure, repeated procedure was successful for 3 eyes [12%] of the remaining 7 eyes with recurrent obstruction during follow up time, an overall patency rate 84% with no complications during follow up. In group II, NLD remained open with surgical success rate in 20 eyes [95.2%] and over drainage of tears from nose was observed in one case. Patient satisfaction was assessed at the end of follow up period in two groups and proved that, watering was disappeared completely in 15 eyes [group I] and 14 eyes [group II], mild improvement in 6 eyes in each group and no improvement in 4 eyes [group I] and one eye [group-II]. Probing of NLD with low dose of MMC in adult epiphora is a simple, effective and minimally invasive technique. Use of low dose of MMC together with NLD intubation is advantageous and carries less risk in adults