Silicone tubing after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: is it necessary?

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is increasing in popularity as a treatment of nasolacrimal obstructions because it has proven to be an effective and safe procedure. In this study the success of EN-DCR combined with or without bicanalicular silicone stents was evaluated in patients with nasolacrimal obstructions.

METHODS

Forty-two consecutive EN-DCR procedures were performed in 36 patients during 2000-2004. The surgery was primary in 23 cases and revision in 19 cases. Bicanalicular silicone stents were inserted in 18 cases and in 24 cases stenting was avoided.

RESULTS

The overall success rate after EN-DCR was 81%. The success rate of EN-DCR was 89% with silicone tubing and 75% without silicone tubing. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 4 months.

CONCLUSION

In our retrospective study no significant statistical differences were seen between the patients with stenting compared with patients without stenting. However, prospective, randomized studies are clearly needed to answer the question of whether the use of stents is advisable.