Fiberoptics Assisted Lacrimal Surgery

ABSTRACT

The endonasal laser lacrimal surgery has provided many advantages. However, the success rate of the primary endonasal DCR has been lower than the established 90% or greater success rate of conventional DCR. Endonasal fiberoptics-assisted lacrimal surgeries(108 DCR and 149 CDCR) were performed with conventional lacrimal surgical instruments and endoscope. The thick bone of the anterior lacrimal crest and half segment of the lacrimal sac were removed with Kerrison punch, and silicone tube intubation was performed. After 8 to 33 months(average 15.6 months) of follow up, intranasal mucosal ostium measured 1.85 mm in diameter. Of the 108 eyes with primary endonasal DCR, the ostium of 86 eyes(79.6%) remained patent. After revision of the failed DCR, the success rate was 96.3%(104 eyes). Of the 61 eyes with primary endonasal DCR which were performed during recent 8 to 20 months, 54 eyes(88.5%) were satisfactory. Of the 149 eyes with CDCR, Jones tubes in 141 eyes(94.6%) functioned well.