COMPARATIVE STUDY: ENDOSCOPIC DACROCYSTORHINOSTOMY WITH AND WITHOUT STENT

Abstract

BackgroundDacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a commonly performed operation in which a fistulous tract is created between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. ObjectiveTo evaluate the necessity for silicone tube insertion following endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR). Patient and MethodsA prospective interventional comparative study was carried out in the Center of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery/Al Sulaymaniyah Teaching Hospital from March 2021 to April 2022. Twenty-two patients (25 eyes) with epiphora were included; an ophthalmologist referred them after diagnosing the cause and site of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, 86.4 % of which were female and remaining 13.6 % were male, with ages ranging from 15 to 61. They were randomly assigned to two groups: GroupA 11 patients (12 eyes) underwent EDCR with silicone stent, while GroupB 11 patients (13 eyes) had EDCR without stent. The patients were evaluated in terms of symptom relief and neo-ostium patency. ResultsIn the current study, the success rate was (100%) for both groups, with no failures. Additionally, a stent has been associated with granulation tissue formation and patient discomfort. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. ConclusionRoutine nasolacrimal intubation in DCR is unnecessary due to the additional cost and associated complications. Good exposure and marsupialization of the lacrimal sac and regular follow-up are required for a better postoperative outcome and the avoidance of complications.