Surgical Effect of Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Failed Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze outcomes of the canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and the combined procedure of canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and Jones tube reinsertion, in patients who had complications of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy, which required other surgical procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 18 eyes (16 patients) who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Yeungnam University Hospital for functional failures and complications of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy, and who underwent either the canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy or the combined procedure between February 1994 and October 2003. These patients had submerged, prolapsed, lost, or obstructed Jones tubes, with a length of patent canaliculi from the puncta of more than 7mm, identified with probing, irrigation and dacryocystography. RESULTS: Complete or significant improvement of epiphora was achieved in 83.3% (15 of 18 eyes) after a follow-up period ranging 6 to 70 months (average 28.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy and the combined procedure can be expected to achieve functional success in patients who suffer from complications of the Jones tube. We recommend these procedures in cases of common canalicular obstruction and upper and lower canalicular obstruction with a length of patency greater than 7mm.