Reliability of endoscopic dye transit test for prediction of functional success after diode laser and external dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of the endoscopic dye transit test for the prediction of functional success after dacryocystorhinostomy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 patients who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy Group or transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy Group and had anatomically patent ducts during irrigation, with a minimum 6-month follow-up. The external dacryocystorhinostomy, defined as the time from instillation of the dye into the conjunctival sac until its flow from the rhinostomy site, was performed in all patients. Positive predictive value of the endoscopic dye transit test to assess functional success was analyzed. The cutoff point was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients, 44 (88%) exhibited subjective improvement or complete resolution of epiphora (functional success). The best cutoff point for the endoscopic dye transit test was 60 s. Of 39 patients with endoscopic dye transit test £60 s, 38 (97.4%) exhibited functional success, demonstrating a 97.4% positive predictive value.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic dye transit test £60 s is a reliable tool to predict functional success and good prognosis after external or laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy.