The Effects of Placement of Silicone Tube and e-PTFE Stent in External Dacryocystorhinostomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the surgical results of bicanalicular silicone tube and e-PTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) stent in external dacryocystorhinostomy without flap. METHODS: Sixteen patients had been placed with bicanalicular silicone tube and e-PTFE stent and 17 patients with silicone tube only in external dacryocystorhinostomy without flap. We examined the presence of epiphora symptom, passage of dye, and inflammatory change or granuloma formation of nasal mucosa at postoperative 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Success rate was higher in double stent group (81.3%) than that in control group (76.5%). But there was no statistically significant (difference between two groups. p=0.085). At nasal endoscopic examination, one case (6.3%) of granuloma was noted in double stent group, and two cases (11.8%) in control group. Membraneous obstruction was not observed in double stent group but one case (5.9%) in control group. CONCLUSIONS: In case of structural deteriolation of midface including nasolacrimal duct, placement of bicanalicular silicone tube with e-PTFE stent may be an useful method in external dacryocystorhinostomy without flap.