[Endoscopy of the lacrimal ducts].

SUMMARY: The study presents a new technic for the examination of the lacrymal duct; i.e. the endoscopy. It demonstrates the advantages and permits to open up new ways to act on the lacrymal duct.

METHODS AND PATIENTS: The seventy two patients examined by means of endoscopy between January 1997 and May 1997 have had all a clear pathology: epiphora, chronic or acute dacryocystite in a remission phase. Some patients were at the same time examined radiogically, by means of a dacryocystorhinography.

RESULTS

In all the cases studied using both technics, the endoscopy made it possible to put into evidence the origin of the epiphora or the dacryocystite with a much higher precision than with radiographies.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

The endoscopy of the lacrymal duct is the best examination technic in the lacrymal pathology and should in a near future replace the dacryocystorhinography.