The Extent of Patient's Content for Epiphora and Skin Scar in external Dacryocystorhinostomy Operation

ABSTRACT

External dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR) has been a main surgery for epiphora since its introduction, offering the advantages of the complete formation of the ostium, the formation of flap, and potential application in all cases suffering from chronic epiphora although the disadvantages of postoperative morbidity and a cutaneous scar. In this study, the authors report the extent of patient's content for epiphora and skin scar in 131 cases treated with external DCR perfomed on 112 patients between december 1994 and January 1996. DCR incision followed the periorbital relaxed skin gension lines in order to minimize cutaneous scar. External DCR were combined with silicone intubation of the lacrimal drainage system. The medical records of all patients undergoing external DCR procedures were reviewed retrospectively in detail. the authors asked about postoperative epiphora and skin sacr through the questionnaire or the telephone. Phtients with follow-up periods less than 6 months or conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy were not included in the study. Of 131 cases, 126 were improved for epiphora in comparision with preoperative state after a single attempt, yielding a success rate of 96.2%. Of 131 cases, 129(98.2%) did not express discontent for skin scar. Although endonasal DCR is considered as an increasingly attractive alternative to external DCR, external DCR is still a good procedure to treat epiphora in unexperienced surgeon for endonasal DCR.