Stent technique for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy – Our expertise

BACKGROUND. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is known to be the ideal treatment for saccal and postsaccal stenosis of the lacrimal apparatus. Following this surgery, an important inconvenient would be the stenosis of the created ostium with consecutive epiphora.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. 20 patients with chronic unilateral lacrimal duct obstruction were operated in “Prof. Dr. D. Hociota” Institute of Phono-Audiology and Functional ENT Surgery, Department I, between January 2015 and July 2015. After creating the dacryocystorhinostoma, a stent was inserted transnasally to the bottom edge of the lacrimal sac and positioned to the bony margin of the ostium. Stents used varied in size from 1 to 3 mm in diameter. We followed-up our patients at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 months, assessing the symptoms of the lacrimal apparatus, especially the epiphora.

RESULTS. The mean age of patients varied between 31 and 65. Most of our patients were women (n=14). In a total number of 16 patients epiphora disappeared, it decreased in 2 patients, and persisted in 2 patients. There were two patients with no changes who have spontaneously eliminated the stent 2 or 3 days after the surgery. The most widely used stent size was 3 mm diameter, with a success rate of 90%.

CONCLUSION. The endoscopic approach may be an effective procedure in patients with pathologies of the lacrimal apparatus. In order to achieve an efficient result, both a preoperative rigorous preparation and also postoperative medical care are necessary. In conclusion, ostium stenting represents a better way to ensure a longer period of maintaining the permeability of the lacrimal apparatus.