Reliability of air bubble test in assessment of anatomical and functional success after external dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of air bubble test (ABT) for anatomical and functional success after external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ext-DCR).

METHODS

In a retrospective interventional case series, patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who had undergone Ext-DCR procedure were included. Functional success was defined as no symptom or mild excess tear in the cold weather and anatomical success as free irrigation at last follow-up time (at least 6 months). Air bubble test was performed by putting antibiotic drops into the eye and asking the patient to exhale while keeping the nose and mouth closed. Formation of bubbles inside the eye (hissing noise) was considered as positive test. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values were then calculated for both anatomical and functional success.

RESULTS

There were 85 procedures in 77 patients. Anatomical and overall functional success was 98.8% (84/85) and 95.3% (81/85), respectively. Air bubble test showed a sensitivity of 82.1% and specificity of 100% for the anatomical success after Ext-DCR. Sensitivity and specificity were 83.9% and 75% for the functional success.

CONCLUSION

Positive ABT indicated no anatomical failure after Ext-DCR in this series.