Success rates in powered endonasal revision surgery for failed dacryocystorhinostomy in a tertiary referral center.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, recommend specific endoscopic endonasal techniques in revision DCR, and report postoperative success rates. METHODS: Retrospective case series in a tertiary referral center of 19 consecutive, endonasal revision DCR surgeries in 17 adult patients with previous failed DCR. All cases were revised endonasally by 1 surgeon. Analysis of etiology of failure and techniques of surgery were supplemented by review of surgical video and medical records. Surgical outcomes were measured functionally by resolution of epiphora and anatomically by patency of nasolacrimal duct system on syringing and positive functional endoscopic dye test. RESULTS: The most common cause for failed DCR was a blocked ostium due to membranous scarring (74%). Multiple causes for failure were found in 9 of 19 cases. Adjunctive procedures during revision surgery included partial middle turbinectomy (53%) and anterior ethmoidectomy (21%). The serrated oscillating blade was required in 89% cases, the high-speed diamond bur in 26%. Mean follow up was 15 months (range 7-26 months). All 19 cases had an anatomically successfully outcome. Fifteen of 19 cases (79%) had a functionally successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the most frequent cause of failed DCR was a scarred ostium, which is optimally visualized endonasally and precisely managed with the oscillating blade. Using the abovementioned specific endonasal techniques, the authors have demonstrated a high success rate in endonasal revision DCR surgery.

Eyelid necrotizing fasciitis: what were the early signs?

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening subcutaneous soft tissue infection that causes massive tissue destruction. OBJECTIVES: To illustrate the warning signs of this condition by reporting a rare case of eyelid necrotizing fasciitis. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 22-year-old man presented with a preseptal eyelid infection that spread rapidly despite prompt treatment with several intravenous antibiotics. He developed the characteristic clinical and radiologic features of necrotizing fasciitis, and required surgical debridement to cure the infection. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In this article, we suggest the indicators that may enable physicians to think of the development of necrotizing fasciitis in patients with infections of the skin and subcutis.

The use of a pleated strip of autogenous temporalis fascia graft for frontalis suspension in recurrent poor levator function ptosis in adult patients.

PURPOSE: Poor levator function (LF) blepharoptosis can be corrected surgically using frontalis muscle suspension with a variety of materials. Autogenous grafts such as fascia lata are commonly used. The need for a remote surgical site and the risk of an unattractive leg scar makes the use of an autogenous temporalis fascia (ATF) graft appealing as the scar is concealed in the hair. We describe the use of a pleated, lengthened ATF graft that is easy to prepare and insert, and provides a cosmetically acceptable outcome. METHODS: Prospective case series describing six patients with previous multiple failed lid surgeries and recurrent poor (≤ 5 mm) LF (mean 2.87 ± 1.72 mm) ptosis. The pleated graft technique was used to yield a strip of ATF up to 18-cm long from a short 2-cm temporal incision. Eight eyelids then underwent ATF graft frontalis suspension surgery using the modified Fox pentagon technique. Outcomes included eyelid measurements with 4.5-year follow-up. RESULTS: All patients achieved good functional and esthetic outcome. The mean central palpebral aperture 6 weeks postsurgery was 7.14 ± 1.67 mm, equating to a mean increase of 3.27 mm (p < 0.05 using the paired t-test). The improvement in eyelid height was maintained at the 4.5-year follow-up in all patients, except one who died of unrelated cause. CONCLUSION: A pleated strip of ATF graft provides a simpler alternative to fascia lata grafting for frontalis suspension in poor LF ptosis in adult patients with good long-term results.

Endoscopic endonasal retrieval of a nasolacrimal duct stone via the valve of Hasner in the inferior meatus.

A 37 year old man presented with a 6 month history of a right epiphora with associated mucus discharge. Lacrimal irrigation demonstrated right unilateral partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction, confirmed with lacrimal scintigraphy. Nasal endoscopy showed a pale elevation in the right inferior meatus. Endoscopic endonasal examination revealed a yellow-white nasolacrimal duct stone emerging from the valve of Hasner in the inferior meatus. The distal nasolacrimal duct in the lateral wall of the inferior meatus was marsupialised and the stone removed. At 12 months follow-up the patient maintained complete resolution of symptoms.

Mini-monoka made easy: a simple technique for mini-monoka insertion in acquired punctal stenosis.

PURPOSE: To describe a simple and effective technique to insert the mini-monoka mono-canalicular stent using a nettleship dilator, without the need for a snip-procedure. METHODS: Description of a surgical technique. RESULTS: Mini-monoka stents have been shown to have a high rate of stent migration and premature loss when combined with a one-snip procedure. Our technique preserves the annular ring of the punctum and thus reduces the likelihood of these complications. CONCLUSION: This is a practical technique for the insertion of the mini-monoka monocanalicular stent for acquired punctual stenosis.

Treatment of a lacrimal pneumocele with punctal plug insertion.

A 37-year-old man presented with symptoms of air and mucus reflux from the right medial canthus on blowing his nose. Examination showed crepitus in the region overlying the right lacrimal sac, and he was able to produce bubbles in his conjunctival lake on instillation of topical 2% fluorescein. Dacryoscintigraphy showed symmetrical slow passage of tracer from the lacrimal sac in the nasolacrimal duct indicating delay at the postsac level. Dacryocystography showed that the right lacrimal system contained round filling defects, suggesting the presence of soft tissue tumors. However, a CT scan showed an enlarged right lacrimal fossa with air in the nasolacrimal duct and no evidence of a mass. Following lower punctal plug occlusive canaliculoplasty on the right, using a preloaded silicone plug, the patient noted an immediate resolution of reflux symptoms.

Two cases of drug-induced orbital inflammatory disease.

Orbital inflammatory disease (OID) includes all inflammatory processes affecting the orbit. Although several aetiologies are recognised, a cause may not be elucidated. We describe 2 cases in which drugs (hyaluronidase and zoledronic acid) were the cause of OID. In patients with a clinical picture of OID simulating an orbital cellulitis, the recent drug history should be considered as a possible aetiology, and treatment with steroids with or without a biopsy should be considered after an infection has been excluded.

Orbital floor abscess secondary to sinusitis in an immunocompromised patient.

A 65-year-old man with a history of renal transplantation presented with facial pain, purulent nasal discharge, and periorbital swelling. Signs of optic nerve compromise developed and persisted despite medial orbital wall decompression. Further imaging revealed an orbital floor abscess secondary to direct communication of a maxillary pseudomonal sinusitis. Full recovery was achieved after further surgical drainage via an endoscopic endonasal approach. Failure to improve after surgical decompression is an indication for repeat imaging. Immunocompromised patients can present atypically. Orbital floor abscess secondary to sinusitis without an underlying odontogenic or traumatic cause has not previously been reported. The authors highlight the importance of clinical vigilance, serial imaging, microbiological investigations, and early surgical intervention in high-risk patients.

Hypertrichosis of the upper cheek area associated with travoprost treatment of glaucoma.

Travoprost is a prostaglandin analog used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. This drug is safe and efficacious and has a low incidence of systemic and local side effects. Common local side effects are conjunctival hyperemia, iris pigmentation, and hypertrichosis of the eyelashes. The authors present a case of a patient who developed marked hypertrichosis of the cheek vellus 3 months after starting treatment with travoprost.

Adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane Sub-Q) in anophthalmic volume deficient sockets and phthisical eyes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to present the use of Restylane Sub-Q for orbital volume augmentation in patients with secondary volume deficiency either postenucleation or postevisceration or those with phthisical eyes. METHODS: This prospective case series reviews clinical, photographic, and radiologic records of 16 patients with anophthalmic or enophthalmic orbits who underwent volume augmentation by injection with hyaluronic acid gel in the intraconal and extraconal posterior orbit. The technique is discussed in detail. RESULTS: The volume of hyaluronic acid gel injected ranged from 2 to 4 ml (mean volume, 2.3 ml) per orbit, with a mean reduction of enophthalmos of 3.7 mm (71.4%) at 1 week, 2.8 mm (59.9%) at 6 months, and 2.5 (51.3%) at 12 months, with follow-up of 94.1%, 68.8%, and 50% of the patient group, respectively. Follow-up after 12 months consisted of subjective feedback from the patient. With the exception of one patient, the mean subjective follow-up period was 14.7 months (maximum, 22.4 months; minimum, 1.6 months). The procedure was well tolerated by 15 of the 16 patients who all experienced an improvement in cosmetic appearance. There was one possible complication of orbital cellulitis (although not examined by our clinic); this patient did not attend further follow-ups. One patient had full correction of her enophthalmos, which was maintained over 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid gel injections in patients with enophthalmic sockets appear to be a safe, tolerable, and minimally invasive alternative for orbital volume augmentation in the outpatient setting. However, as predicted, its affects are temporary, and volume does begin to decrease within 12 months of injection.

Lacrimal surgery success after external dacryocystorhinostomy: functional and anatomical results using strict outcome criteria.

PURPOSE: To present the results of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) for epiphora using strict outcome criteria and provide an accurate baseline and evidence from which to compare the results of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: Retrospective case notes review of 158 consecutive adult patients who underwent primary ext-DCR. Functional success was assessed according to the patients' symptoms and anatomical success was measured using objective tests of lacrimal system patency: 1) the functional endoscopic dye test and/or endoscopic endonasal inspection of the ostium; 2) syringing of the lacrimal system; and 3) the fluorescein dye retention test. Patients without complete follow-up data were recalled for clinical reevaluation. A minimum follow-up of 6 months was required. Comparison of overall functional and anatomical success was further analyzed according to etiology using logistic regression and for different grades of surgeon using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: The results for 124 of 158 ext-DCRs showed an overall functional success of 69% and anatomical success of 74%. Patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) who had surgery by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had high success: 83% functional success and 100% anatomical success. Patients with watering eyes from non-PANDO aetiology including canalicular disease who had surgery by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had moderate success: 78% functional success and 70% anatomical success. The results of all surgery by trainees were lower but only significantly so for PANDO. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 6 months to 8.3 years); median follow-up was 1.9 years. CONCLUSION: This study used strict criteria to assess functional and anatomical outcomes of primary ext-DCR and thus provide baseline measures of success with a minimal follow-up of 6 months. When canalicular disease was excluded, results for PANDO were higher. Surgery performed by the specialist lacrimal surgeon had higher success rates than when performed by trainee.

Periocular autologous Coleman fat graft survival and histopathology.

PURPOSE: Autologous Coleman fat transfer is used in the periocular area and intraorbitally for soft-tissue volume augmentation in postenucleation socket syndrome. This article aims to identify areas of low fat absorption and the histopathology of excised fat. METHODS: Noncomparative case series of patients who underwent excision/debulking of injected autologous fat in the inferior sulcus/lower eyelid. RESULTS: Five of 20 patients with postenucleation socket syndrome who had received intraorbital and sulcus Coleman fat transfer, required fat reduction (sculpting) from the inferior sulcus and lower eyelid due to persistent "overfill" 8 months to 17 months after fat transfer. Between 0.2 ml and 1.4 ml of fat was removed. The excised fat was pale, rubbery, and compact in comparison with the normal lower eyelid fat pad. Histopathology showed healthy adipose cells but with chronic inflammation and fibrous septa. CONCLUSIONS: Fat survival is greater than anticipated in the lower eyelid and inferior sulcus. Therefore, judicious use in these areas is suggested. The grafted fat is distinguishable from the fat in the lower eyelid both clinically and histopathologically.

Protocol for the combined immunosuppression & radiotherapy in thyroid eye disease (CIRTED) trial: a multi-centre, double-masked, factorial randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Medical management of thyroid eye disease remains controversial due to a paucity of high quality evidence on long-term treatment outcomes. Glucocorticoids are known to be effective initially but have significant side-effects with long-term use and recrudescence can occur on cessation. Current evidence is conflicting on the efficacy of radiotherapy and non-steroid systemic immunosuppression, and the majority of previous studies have been retrospective, uncontrolled, small or poorly designed.The Combined Immunosuppression and Radiotherapy in Thyroid Eye Disease (CIRTED) trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy and azathioprine in combination with a standard course of oral prednisolone in patients with active thyroid eye disease. METHODS/DESIGN: Patients with active thyroid eye disease will be randomised to receive (i) azathioprine or oral placebo and (ii) radiotherapy or sham-radiotherapy in this multi-centre, factorial randomised control trial. The primary outcome is improvement in disease severity (assessed using a composite binary measure) at 12 months and secondary end-points include quality of life scores and health economic measures. DISCUSSION: The CIRTED trial is the first study to evaluate the role of radiotherapy and azathioprine as part of a long-term, combination immunosuppressive treatment regime for Thyroid Eye Disease. It will provide evidence for the role of radiotherapy and prolonged immunosuppression in the management of this condition, as well as pilot data on their use in combination. We have paid particular attention in the trial design to establishing (a) robust placebo controls and masking protocols which are effective and safe for both radiotherapy and the systemic administration of an antiproliferative drug; (b) constructing effective inclusion and exclusion criteria to select for active disease; and (c) selecting pragmatic outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trials ISRCTN22471573.

Frontal sinus pneumocoele: a rare cause of orbital emphysema.

Sudden onset nonaxial proptosis and diplopia is alarming and orbital haemorrhage or a rapidly expanding orbital tumour should be excluded. We present a case of a young man aged 15 years who attended the Accident and Emergency Department with a 6-h history of sudden onset proptosis and diplopia in whom the aetiology was orbital emphysema.

Endoscopic harvesting of autogenous fascia lata.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique of endoscopic harvesting of autogenous fascia lata. METHODS: A retrospective, noncomparative clinical study to evaluate the technique of videoendoscope assistance in harvesting autogenous fascia lata was conducted during a 1-year period in 2002. A small incision approximately 2 cm long is made over the lateral aspect of the thigh, either as a low or high approach. A sheathed 4-mm rigid 0- or 30-degree endoscope is used to visualize the length of the fascia lata along both its superficial aspect and its undersurface. Standard endoscopic brow lifting instruments are then used to dissect a length of fascia under direct visualization. RESULTS: Three patients underwent harvesting of autogenous fascia lata under endoscopic visualization (2 high-thigh and 1 low-thigh technique). Adequate lengths of fascia lata, approximately 12 cm long, were harvested and no complications occurred. The endoscope was particularly useful in identifying the anatomical structures adjacent to the fascia. The technique was easy to use, but took twice as long as traditional harvesting techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Videoendoscopy allows complete visualization of anatomical structures during harvesting of autogenous fascia lata. It highlights the anatomy for teaching and provides an alternative approach to conventional harvesting methods.

UK national survey of enucleation, evisceration and orbital implant trends.

AIM: To evaluate current clinical practice in the UK in the management of the anophthalmic socket; choice of enucleation, evisceration, type of orbital implant, wrap, motility pegging and complications. METHODS: All consultant ophthalmologists in the UK were surveyed by postal questionnaire. Questions included their practice subspecialty and number of enucleations and eviscerations performed in 2003. Specific questions addressed choice of implant, wrap, motility pegging and complications. RESULTS: 456/896 (51%) consultants responded, of which 162 (35%) had a specific interest in oculoplastics, lacrimal, orbits or oncology. Only 243/456 (53%) did enucleations or eviscerations. 92% inserted an orbital implant after primary enucleation, 69% after non-endophthalmitis evisceration, whereas only 43% did so after evisceration for endophthalmitis (50% as a delayed procedure). 55% used porous orbital implants (porous polyethylene, hydroxyapatite or alumina) as their first choice and 42% used acrylic. Most implants inserted were spherical, sized 18-20 mm in diameter. 57% wrapped the implant after enucleation, using salvaged autogenous sclera (20%), donor sclera (28%) and synthetic Vicryl or Mersilene mesh (42%). A minority (7%) placed motility pegs in selected cases, usually as a secondary procedure. 14% of respondents reported implant exposure for each type of procedure and extrusion was reported by 4% after enucleation and 3% after evisceration. CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights contemporary anophthalmic socket practice in the UK. Most surgeons use porous orbital implants with a synthetic wrap after enucleation and only few perform motility pegging.

Infraglabellar transnasal bilobed flap in the reconstruction of medial canthal defects.

We investigated the effectiveness of reconstruction using an infraglabellar bilobed flap of transnasal skin and subcutaneous tissue for patients with medial canthal defects. Our noncomparative interventional case series involved 11 consecutive patients with medial canthal defects following Mohs micrographic excision of basal cell carcinoma. The medial canthal area was divided into 3 zones: zone 1, just above the medial canthal tendon; zone 2, centered on the medial canthal tendon; and zone 3, just below the medial canthal tendon. Primary closure was achieved easily with a good cosmetic result for all 3 zones. There were no complications or further procedures required. The outcome measures documented clinically and photographically included complete closure of the defect, cosmetic appearance, complications, and further surgery.