Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in the primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may constitute effective primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with lacrimal sac abscess formation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of a series of 24 patients with acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal sac abscess who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy as a primary procedure. Outcome measures included resolution of signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis as well as intranasal ostium patency as assessed by lacrimal irrigation.

RESULTS

Pain was relieved in all patients within 3 days of surgery, and swelling resolved in all patients by 9 days after surgery. Ostium patency, as defined by the absence of epiphora, and free lacrimal irrigation was achieved in 20 (83%) of 24 patients, with follow-up of 27 to 59 months (mean, 40 months). Recurrent epiphora developed in four patients; recurrent dacryocystitis developed in none.

CONCLUSIONS

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful option in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation.