Retrospective study in 1020 cases on the rate of surgical site infections after lacrimal surgery without prophylactic systemic antibiotics.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Data regarding the effectiveness of prophylactic systemic antibiotics (PSA) in lacrimal surgery is scarce. Therefore, we determined the postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) rate in lacrimal surgery without PSA. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed files of patients who underwent external (extDCR) or endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (endoDCR). We excluded patients with incomplete data (n = 68), acute a priori infection with the need for antibiotics (n = 15) and PSA post-operatively for other reasons (n = 28). Indications for surgery were canalicular stenosis (n = 51, 18.6% endoDCR vs n = 131, 19.5% extDCR), nasolacrimal duct obstruction (n = 118, 43.2% endoDCR vs n = 480, 64.3% extDCR) and mucocele/chronic dacryocystitis (n = 52, 19.0% endoDCR vs n = 187, 25.0% extDCR). RESULTS: In this study, 1020 DCR surgeries were performed in 899 patients. Postoperative SSI was diagnosed in eight patients (0.8%); exclusively after extDCR (1.1% of all extDCR). No SSIs were found in endoDCR cases. The prevalence between SSI in extDCR versus endoDCR did not prove significant (n = 8/747 0.8% vs n = 0/273 0%, p = 0.13). All patients diagnosed with SSI were successfully treated with systemic oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SSI after DCR is low and was effectively treated with oral antibiotics. In our study, SSI occurred rarely after extDCR and was not observed after endoDCR. We conclude that lacrimal surgery is safe without the routine administration of PSA.

A New Patient-reported Outcomes Measure for Surgically Treated Epiphora: Tearing Assessment and Rating Scale-12 (TEARS-12).

BACKGROUND: No widely accepted, validated instrument currently exists to measure clinical outcomes in patients who undergo dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for treatment of epiphora. OBJECTIVE: To develop a patient-reported outcome measure applicable to this population. METHODS: Psychometric evaluations, consultation with experts, and review of the literature informed item generation of a 12-question questionnaire to incorporate the most relevant symptoms experienced by patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This questionnaire, known as the Tearing Assessment and Rating Scale-12 (TEARS-12), was administered to 32 patients before and after intervention, in the form of endoscopic DCR. Statistical analysis was performed to measure internal consistency, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Pre-operative and post-operative TEARS-12 scores (28.2 [standard error (SE) 3.19] vs 11.8 [SE 3.25], respectively, P = 0.001) demonstrated improved patient outcome within 6 weeks following endoscopic DCR. Cronbach's alpha for the questionnaire was 0.90, indicating high overall reliability. Additionally, each question demonstrated internal reliability, with a corrected item-total correlation greater than 0.30. The intraclass correlation between the two pre-operative scores was 0.858 (P < 0.001), indicating high test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: TEARS-12 is a statistically valid, easy-to-administer instrument to measure clinical outcomes in patients who undergo endoscopic DCR.

Early Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy for Acute Dacryocystitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of early endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with delayed DCR in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis (AD). METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to November 11, 2023. Data synthesis was performed using Review Manager 5.4, and forest plots were generated for each outcome measure. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Six studies involving 288 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the success rate of early endonasal DCR was comparable to that in the delayed DCR group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-2.85, P = .19). Furthermore, in comparison with the delayed DCR group, early endonasal DCR significantly reduced the time for medial canthus swelling resolution (mean differences [MD] = -4.92, 95% CI: -5.46 to 4-.37, P < .00001) and complete resolution of symptoms (MD = -17.70, 95% CI: -23.88 to -11.52, P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Primary early endonasal DCR seems to be a promising and favorable approach for managing AD with comparable efficacy and faster relief of symptoms compared to conventional delayed DCR.

Acute versus late endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in treatment of acute dacryocystitis: A prospective randomised trial with an 18-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term symptom resolution and use of resources of performing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (enDCR) in acute or delayed phase in patients with acute dacryocystitis (AD). METHODS: This prospective, randomised controlled trial was conducted in Helsinki University tertiary Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Hospitals between September 2013 and January 2019. Fifty patients aged 18 and above presenting with AD in the emergency care were randomised into acute and delayed enDCR surgery groups, performed in 1 week or 4 months from the diagnosis of AD. The follow-up time was 18 months. Outcome measures were subjective epiphora, lacrimal symptoms and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, the number of hospitalised and unhealthy days, use of medication and openness in lacrimal syringing and dye test. RESULTS: EnDCR was performed on 24 patients in the acute and 19 in the delayed group. There were no significant differences between the groups in follow-up lacrimal symptoms, syringing test, dye test or use of resources. At the 18 months' follow-up, 21/23 (91.3%) in the acute group and 12/13 (92.3%) in the delayed group had no disturbing lacrimal symptoms. When reoperations and dropouts are considered, beneficial outcome was 22/24 (91.7%) in the acute and 12/16 (75%) (p = 0.195) in the delayed group. The acute group had significantly fewer pain medication days than the delayed group, 3 versus 10.5 (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Acute enDCR is associated with fewer pain medication days and equal resolution of lacrimal symptoms and use of resources.

Endoscopic "retrograde" dacryocystorhinostomy: A fast route to the lacrimal sac.

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is an established surgical technique for the management of peripheral nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. Its main points are the correct identification of the lacrimal sac and the execution of surgical procedures that allow a rapid and accurate healing of the surgical field. The main endoscopic landmarks used for the identification of the lacrimal sac are the middle turbinate and the maxillary line. However, in some cases, this procedure can be difficult due to several factors (e.g. anatomical variations, former surgery). In the present study, a variation of "classic" endoscopic DCR, named "retrograde" endoscopic endonasal DCR (rDCR), is described. rDCR is performed through the quick identification of the NLD at the level of the most anterior insertion of the inferior turbinate in the lateral nasal wall. In most cases, at this level only a very thin shell of bone is present (crack point), easily fractured by using blunt angled dissector. The duct is then followed upward along its course by removing the overlying bone in order to correctly identify the lacrimal sac and unequivocally drill along the lacrimal pathway. This technique proved to be a safe, quick and effective procedure, even in patients with difficult anatomy.

Clinical outcome and quality of life of lacrimal sac mucocele treated via endoscopic posterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the surgical treatment for lacrimal sac mucoceles (LSM), yet variants of the procedure are several. Since LSM causes bone remodeling and thinning, especially of the lacrimal bone, osteotomy at that site is reasonably the easiest. The aim of the study is to support treatment of LSM via a posterior DCR approach, in a large cohort of cases, and report patients' quality of life after the procedure with validated questionnaires. METHODS: Single-center observational retrospective study on a specific methodology (endoscopic-DCR via posterior approach). Consecutive patients with LSM were enrolled in 2008-2020; CT scans were reviewed, bone thickness was measured bilaterally and compared. Resolution of mucocele, epiphora and infection were analyzed after 6-months. Patients were administered the Munk Score and Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q). Statistical analysis was done to compare bone thickness between the two sides; descriptive analysis of the questionnaires results was presented. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with LSM were enrolled. The LSM side showed frontal process thickness of 4.00 ± 1.06 mm (vs 3.90 ± 1.03 on the unaffected side; p = 0.23) and a lacrimal bone of 0.32 ± 0.12 mm (vs 0.41 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Resolution of infection was achieved in 97.4% cases, anatomical patency in 87.2%. After 5 years, 84.6% of patients reported no relevant epiphora (Munk score 0-1). Social impact (Lac-Q) due to lacrimal malfunctioning was still noted in 30.8% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adult LSM is a rare condition and DCR remains the mainstay of treatment. LSM physiopathology may support a preferred surgical choice via a posterior approach. Despite objective patency, some lacrimal way malfunctioning may be experienced in a minority of cases.

Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies. METHODS: Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs. RESULTS: The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P < .0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided. Another great advantage is that the programme is free.

Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images. / Mejora de la planificación de las cirugías lagrimales a partir de imágenes tridimensionales con el visualizador DICOM Horos®.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies. METHODS: Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs. RESULTS: The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P<.0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided. Another great advantage is that the programme is free.

Applying the Exoscope to Lacrimal Surgery: Preliminary Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the exoscope as an assisting tool in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (e-DCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational retrospective study, the application of the VITOM® exoscope was studied in a group of 21 patients undergoing mono- or bilateral DCR. The primary endpoint was to evaluate resolution of symptoms (epiphora/dacryocystitis) at the 6-month follow-up and time for surgery. Qualitative features of the exoscope (intraoperative view of the surgical field) and comparison with the typical setting for DCR were analyzed as secondary endpoints. A questionnaire was administered to surgical team members (ENT surgeon, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse) to evaluate the perceived quality of this new technology (12 items valued as "good" = 2, "acceptable" = 1, and "not acceptable" = 0). A questionnaire score of 24 out of 24 was valued as "completely approved," score 20-23 as "moderately approved," and score ≤19 as "weakly approved." Patients were divided into 3 consecutive groups, and questionnaire scores by each team member were analyzed for tendencies. Statistical analysis was performed to test significance at p < 0.05. Local Ethical Committee approval was obtained. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between exoscope-set DCR and classic setting for concerned patient outcomes (failure rate: 3.2 vs. 3.8%, respectively, p = 0.896) and mean time for surgery (20' vs. 23', respectively, p = 0.091). The exoscope was valued by surgical team members as "completely approved" in 55.5% of cases, "moderately approved" in 39.7%, and "weakly approved" in 4.8%. Questionnaire scores by the ENT, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse showed an average increase in the 3 consecutive groups (p = 0.119, p = 0.024, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The exoscope is a new tool that may support e-DCR. It has no effects on symptom outcomes (epiphora/dacryocystitis) and time for surgery compared to classic DCR. Based on self-perception, this new technology was accepted by all team members.

Preliminary experience with exoscope in lacrimal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (e-DCR) is the mainstay for lacrimal sac/duct conditions. The purpose is to investigate the role of the exoscope as assisting tool in e-DCR. METHODS: Primary endpoint were symptoms resolution (epiphora/dacryocystitis) and time for surgery. Qualitative features of the exoscope were analyzed: a questionnaire administered to the surgical team allowed to evaluate the perceived quality of this technology. CONCLUSIONS: The exoscope is a new tool that may support e-DCR. It has comparable results on symptoms outcomes and time for surgery than classic e-DCR. This new technology was accepted by all team members and showed great teaching potential.

Management of proximal lacrimal obstructions: a rationale.

PURPOSE: To identify a rationale for correct surgical treatment of proximal lacrimal obstructions. METHODS: Retrospective review of 775 consecutive patients (974 eyes) with proximal lacrimal obstructions, operated on with customized surgery by a senior surgeon (FMQL) from January 2003 to December 2018. RESULTS: In case of punctal stenosis, punctoplasty was as effective as punctal dilatation with monocanalicular or bicanalicular stent (p > 0.05). In proximal canalicular obstructions, failure rate of dacrocystorhinostomy with retrograde intubation (R-DCR) was significantly higher in case of false inferior passage creation than in case of no false passage creation (p = 0.02). In mid-canalicular obstructions failure rate of R-DCR was 41.3%, and bypass surgery with Jones tube at second stage was likely. Trephination and monocanalicular intubation, performed in selected cases, had a failure rate respectively of 16.6% and 21.7% in mid and distal canalicular obstructions. Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) was successful in 77% of cases of proximal common canalicular obstruction. Bypass surgery is the treatment of choice in case of no residual patency, and rates of tube extrusion were significantly reduced with the use of StopLoss Jones tubes (SLJT) (1.7%) with respect to standard tubes (12%), (p = 0.04, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: Patient history and accurate diagnosis of the site of obstruction are essential for a correct surgical choice. Less invasive techniques as trephination and intubation may be effective, but should be reserved to patients with no associated lower lacrimal obstruction. Further studies require specific randomized clinical trials, and a standardized protocol adopted by different clinical centres.

Mejora de la planificación de las cirugías lagrimales a partir de imágenes tridimensionales con el visualizador DICOM Horos® / Improvements in planning lacrimal surgery using DICOM Horos® viewer 3D images

Introducción y objetivos La variación anatómica individual del trayecto de la vía lagrimal y estructuras adyacentes requiere disponer del mejor conocimiento posible de su configuración tridimensional para afrontar una cirugía con mayor seguridad y eficacia. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar la utilidad de la planificación quirúrgica virtual para la mejora en la realización de las dacriocistorrinostomías (DCR). Métodos Se usó el programa Horos® como visualizador y gestor de imágenes en formato DICOM para reconstrucción multiplanar y tridimensional (3D) en la planificación de 148 cirugías lagrimales complejas de primera intención y 26 reintervenciones mediante DCR endocanalicular y endonasal con láser. Resultados Se identificaron más rápidamente y con mayor precisión en las imágenes en 3D de la dacriocistografía-TAC que con placas visualizadas en 2D, con una correlación clínico-radiológica estadísticamente significativa (p<0,0001) a favor de Horos®. Más del 98,27% de las imágenes coincidieron con las reconstrucciones del programa; menos del 1,73% presentaron algún grado de discordancia por distorsiones en el estudio; estos casos fueron los secundarios a traumatismos. La localización intraoperatoria del sistema lagrimal fue muy precisa por la buena orientación, evitando complicaciones. Conclusiones La mejora en la planificación prequirúrgica con utilización sistemática de Horos® para visualización y tratamiento de imágenes en 3D es una herramienta muy útil para el diagnóstico y planificación preoperatoria, facilita una cirugía segura en las patologías complejas, ya que marca referencias quirúrgicas y localiza el saco lagrimal, así como el control postoperatorio de la permeabilidad del aparato lagrimal. Evita la pérdida de información que se produce en la selección de imágenes (AU)

Introduction and objective The individual anatomic variation of the course of the lacrimal duct and surrounding structures requires the thorough knowledge of its three-dimensional configuration in order to perform the surgery in the safest and most efficient way. The aim of this study was to consider virtual surgical planning in order to improve dacryocystorhinostomies. Method Horos® was used as a viewer and manager of DICOM-format images for multiplanar, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction when planning 148 first-time lacrimal operations and 26 reoperations by laser endonasal and endocanalicular DCRs. Results The 3D images of the CT dacryocystography were much better identified than the 2D ones, Horos® showing a statistically significant correlation (P<.0001). Over 98.27% of the images match the programme reconstruction. Less than 1.73% of them showed some discordance due to study distortion. These cases were related to trauma. The intraopearative location of the lacrimal system was very accurate, avoiding complications. Conclusions Viewing and studying 3D images, Horos® is a very useful tool for diagnosis and preoperative planning. It is very helpful in complex conditions by marking surgical references, locating the lacrimal sac and controlling the post-operative permeability of the lacrimal system. The information loss produced by the image selection is also avoided (AU)

Aplicación transoperatoria de mitomicina-C en la dacriocistorrinostomía externa: acuerdos y desacuerdos / Intraoperative application of Mitomycin-C in external dacryocystorhinostomy: agreements and disagreements

RESUMEN Introducción: la dacriocistorrinostomía externa es la técnica más empleada por la mayoría de los cirujanos oculoplásticos para tratar a los pacientes con obstrucción del canal nasolagrimal. Es posible que los galenos cometan algunos errores en este tipo de cirugía, a pesar de los grandes avances en las tecnologías ópticas, las técnicas quirúrgicas y el uso de modernos materiales de intubación. La principal causa de los errores es el cierre de la osteotomía por tejido cicatrizal o de granulación, con la formación de sinequias en la cavidad nasal. La mitomicina C es el antibiótico alquilante más estudiado en la prevención del exceso de cicatrización en el área de la osteotomía; sin embargo, existen acuerdos y desacuerdos entre estudiosos del tema sobre la eficacia, dosis y tiempo de exposición de este medicamento. El papel de cada una de estas variables en el resultado final de la cirugía es controversial. Objetivo: brindar evidencias sobre el papel de la aplicación transoperatoria de la mitomicina C en la dacriocistorrinostomía externa. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de la bibliografía actualizada disponible en idioma español e inglés. Se consultaron los textos completos y resúmenes en las bases de datos: PubMed, Ebsco, Google Académico y Scielo. También se revisaron novedosos artículos en prestigiosas revistas especializadas. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los autores coinciden en que este medicamento contribuye a elevar la tasa de éxito de la dacriocistorrinostomía externa; aunque su aplicación es segura, todavía se estudian algunas variables que mejorarían su eficacia.

ABSTRACT Introduction: external dacryocystorhinostomy is the most used technique by oculoplastic surgeons to treat patient with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Physicians may make some mistakes in this type of surgery despite great advances in optical technologies, surgical techniques and the use of modern materials for intubation, The main cause of errors is the closure of the osteotomy due to scar tissue or granulation with synechia formation in the nasal cavity. Mitomycin-C is the most studied alkylating antibiotic in the prevention of excessive scarring in the osteotomy area; however, there are some agreements and disagreements among scholars on the efficacy, dosage and time of exposure of this drug. The role of each of these variables in the final outcome of the surgery is controversial. Objective: to provide some evidences about the transoperative application of Mitomycin-C in external dacryocystorhinostomy. Methods: a review of the updated bibliography available in Spanish and English languages was carried out. Complete texts and abstracts were consulted in the databases: PubMed, Ebsco, Google Scholar and Scielo. Novel articles were also reviewed in prestigious specialized journals. Conclusions: must authors agree that this drug appears to improve the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy. Although its application is safe, some variables are still being studied that would improve its efficacy.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Sac and Literature Review of the Lacrimal System.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas make up less than 0.1% of head and neck malignancies and are regarded as rare, low-grade malignant neoplasms of the salivary gland. They are thought to arise from intercalated ducts with histopathology showing a classic biphasic morphology of an outer layer of myoepithelial cells and inner layer of epithelial cells. These tumors most commonly occur in the parotid gland; however, rare cases have also been described in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, subglottis, base of tongue, and the lacrimal gland. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and histopathology of the first reported case of lacrimal sac epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. To conduct a literature review of this malignancy, which is present in the lacrimal system. METHODS: Case report (n = 1) and literature review. RESULTS: We report a case of a 72-year-old man presenting with epiphora and a lacrimal sac mass with intranasal extension on imaging and nasal endoscopy. A combined endoscopic endonasal and open approach provided successful definitive treatment for final pathologic diagnosis of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the lacrimal sac, with orbital reconstruction and lacrimal stenting providing good cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSIONS: After PubMed database search for any case series or reports of lacrimal system epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas, we believe this is the first documented case originating from the lacrimal sac. Although the histopathology of this tumor is distinct, unusual location and clinical presentation may pose significant diagnostic difficulties.

Safety of the use of xylometazoline nasal spray in young children undergoing lacrimal surgery: an observational study.

PURPOSE: It is common practice to prepare the nasal mucosa with decongestant in children undergoing lacrimal surgery. Xylometazoline 0.05% (Otrivine) nasal spray is commonly used. It has been reported to cause cardiovascular side effects. In the absence of formal guidelines on the safety of the use of nasal decongestants in children, we reviewed our practice to answer the question: How safe is preoperative use of xylometazoline in children undergoing lacrimal surgery? To our knowledge, this is the first study to address the potential side effects of the use of xylometazoline preoperatively in children undergoing lacrimal surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of medical notes of children undergoing lacrimal surgery with the use of preoperative intranasal xylometazoline 0.05% over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children, age 1-6 years (mean 3 years), underwent lacrimal surgery under general anesthesia with preoperative use of intranasal xylometazoline. Topical intranasal 1:10,000 adrenaline was used during surgery in all patients. All children were found to have uneventful surgery and recovery from anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Xylometazoline 0.05% intranasal use for prelacrimal surgery was found to be effective and safe. Addition of sympathomimetic topical adrenaline (1:10,000) did not impose any risks. The type of general anesthesia may influence the cardiovascular side effects anecdotally recorded during xylometazoline use.

Comparing outcomes of pediatric and adult external dacryocystorhinostomy in Nepal: Is age a prognostic factor?

We determine whether age is a prognostic factor for surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR). This retrospective cohort study conducted at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (Kathmandu, Nepal) compared pediatric Ex-DCR procedures (age ≤ 15 years) to adult Ex-DCR procedures (age > 15 years) and was performed between January 2013 and December 2013, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Primary outcome measure was rate of success, defined as complete resolution of subjective symptom(s) of epiphora (subjective success), combined with patent lacrimal passage on syringing (anatomical success) at last follow-up visit. Other outcome measures included clinical presentation, diagnosis, intraoperative complications and post-operative complications. In total, 154 Ex-DCR procedures were included, with an age range of 8 months to 81 years (mean age 36.4 ± 21.0 years). In all, 38 pediatric Ex-DCR procedures were compared to 116 adult procedures. Success rates were 97% in the pediatric group and 95% in the adult group, with no clinically or statistically significant difference in success rate or complication rate between groups (p > 0.05). Our study yielded high success rates of Ex-DCR in both pediatric and adult age groups suggesting that Ex-DCR remains an optimal treatment choice for all age groups. With no difference in surgical outcomes between pediatric and adult patients, including complication rate, we conclude that age is not a prognostic factor for Ex-DCR failure. We do not recommend adjuvant therapy for pediatric patients.

Effect of levofloxacin gel, tobramycin dexamethasone ointment and lacrimal passage probing on neonatal dacryocystitis / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To patients with neonatal dacryocystitis underwent left Ofloxacin Gel, Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Ointment and lacrimal surgery combined with treatment effects were observed.MethodsIn Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Qingtongxia City People's Hospital during December 2015 to December 2016 for dacryocystitis in 130 cases according to the data analysis, using different treatment schemes were divided into two groups, 65 cases underwent lacrimal surgery as control group, 65 cases and left Ofloxacin Gel, Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Ointment combined treatment as the observation group, blocking characters and comparison of complications two groups of clinical curative effect, lacrimal duct.ResultsIn the observation group, the total effective probability of 96.92% higher than the control group of 80.00%(P<0.05), and the nasal deformity, nasolacrimal duct, lacrimal bone deformity multiple adhesions or obstruction and lower incidence of membranous obstruction of lacrimal duct is lower than that of control group (P<0.05);the total complication rate in the observation group(3.08%) than the control group(21.54%)low (P<0.05).ConclusionNeonatal dacryocystitis underwent left Ofloxacin Gel, Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Ointment and lacrimal surgery combined therapy can improve the clinical symptoms and characteristics of lacrimal duct obstruction, and reduce postoperative complications, which may be of clinical promotion and application.

Interactive navigation-guided ophthalmic plastic surgery: navigation enabling of telescopes and their use in endoscopic lacrimal surgeries.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to report the preliminary experience of using telescopes, which were enabled for navigation guidance, and their utility in complex endoscopic lacrimal surgeries. METHODS: Navigation enabling of the telescope was achieved by using the AxiEM™ malleable neuronavigation shunt stylet. Image-guided dacryolocalization was performed in five patients using the intraoperative image-guided StealthStation™ system in the electromagnetic mode. The "look ahead" protocol software was used to assist the surgeon in assessing the intraoperative geometric location of the endoscope and what lies ahead in real time. All patients underwent navigation-guided powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The utility of uninterrupted navigation guidance throughout the surgery with the endoscope as the navigating tool was noted. RESULTS: Intraoperative geometric localization of the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct could be easily deciphered. Constant orientation of the lacrimal drainage system and the peri-lacrimal anatomy was possible without the need for repeated point localizations throughout the surgery. The "look ahead" features could accurately alert the surgeon of anatomical structures that exists at 5, 10 and 15 mm in front of the endoscope. Good securing of the shunt stylet with the telescope was found to be essential for constant and accurate navigation. CONCLUSION: Navigation-enabled endoscopes provide the surgeon with the advantage of sustained stereotactic anatomical awareness at all times during the surgery.

Surgical technique and preliminary results of transcanalicular endoscopic lacrimal duct recanalization and balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation in Filipino patients with complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To describe the surgical technique of transcanalicular endoscopic lacrimal duct recanalization (TELDR) with balloon dacryoplasty and silicone intubation in patients with complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction and assess their effectivity.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Ten lacrimal systems from eight patients diagnosed with complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) underwent TELDR and balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> All 10 lacrimal systems from eight patients who underwent TELDR and balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation had 100% anatomical and functional patency.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> TELDR and balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation represents an alternative, minimally invasive technique in the management of complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction.</p>