Treatment of Acute Purulent Dacryocystitis by Early Bicanalicular Silicone Intubation: Safety, Efficacy, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of early bicanalicular silicone intubation in the treatment of acute purulent dacryocystitis.

METHODS

This prospective interventional case series focused on acute purulent dacryocystitis from February 2010 to March 2014. Of the 21 cases, 16 cases were treated at the Fujian Provincial Hospital, and five cases were treated at the Lianjiang Hospital. Bicanalicular silicone intubation was inserted in the original lacrimal duct within 10 days after abscess decompression by pus aspiration method and systemic antibiotic application. Data collection included demographic profiles, perioperative and postoperative complications, and revision surgery. Resolution of signs and symptoms of acute purulent dacryocystitis, as well as successful anatomical patency assessed by irrigation, was evaluated. Follow-up times were more than 12 months, and ranged from 14 to 63 months.

RESULTS

All patients showed remarkable improvement of pain and swelling within 48 hours. Resolution of the erythema and edema was observed within one week after bicanalicular silicone intubation combined with topical antibiotic lavage. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. After initial bicanalicular silicone intubation, anatomical success was observed in 66.7% (14/21) of the patients. Of the remaining seven patients who presented with severe reflux in irrigation, two patients chose re-intubation and five patients underwent standard external dacryocystorhinostomy. All patients had anatomical success at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Early bicanalicular silicone intubation appears to be a safe, effective, and simple procedure, which offers a reasonable option in the treatment of acute purulent dacryocystitis, especially for those developing and underdeveloped areas.