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Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in functional lacrimal obstruction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 November 2007

C Brewis ,
M Yung ,
C Merkonidis  and
S Hardman-Lea
C Brewis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, UK
M Yung*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, UK
C Merkonidis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, UK
S Hardman-Lea
Affiliation:
Department of Ophthalmology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Matthew Yung, Department of Otolaryngology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Heath Road, Ipswich IP4 5PD, UK. Fax: 00 44 1473 703576 E-mail: matthew.yung@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Introduction:

We performed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in cases diagnosed with both anatomical and functional lacrimal obstruction, and here report results for the latter cases.

Methods:

Sixty-eight endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomies were performed for functional obstruction on 44 patients. The indication for surgery was epiphora in 66 patients and recurrent dacryocystitis in two. The minimum follow up was six months.

Results:

There was complete cure in 44 (65 per cent) patients, partial cure in nine (13 per cent) and no improvement in 15 (22 per cent). Revision surgery was performed in five of the 15 cases with no improvement, after which there was an overall complete cure in 47 patients (69 per cent), partial cure in 10 (15 per cent) and no improvement in 11 (16 per cent).

Discussion:

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is indicated in cases of epiphora with a diagnosis of functional lacrimal obstruction. Currently available investigations cannot reliably distinguish partial anatomical obstruction from pump failure.

Keywords

Lacrimal Duct ObstructionFunctionalPhysiologicalDacryocystorhinostomy

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 9 , September 2008 , pp. 921 - 923
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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