Abstract
Purpose: :
To describe outcomes of the catheter assisted technique for conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR).
Methods: :
Retrospective review of ten patients with upper lacrimal system obstruction who underwent a modified CDCR with Jones tube placement utilizing a 14-gauge angiocatheter under endoscopic guidance. Data regarding the ocular history, procedure, clinical course and complications were recorded and analyzed. Improvement was defined as decrease or resolution of epiphora.
Results: :
Ten patients (2 males and 8 females; average age, 52 years) underwent ten cases of catheter assisted CDCR. Average follow-up was 3.6 months. Previous histories included severe facial burns, radiation for metastatic breast cancer to the orbit, idiopathic stenosis of the canalicular system, and agenesis of the canalicular system. Five of the ten patients had at least one previous failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Epiphora improved or resolved in ten of the ten surgeries (100%); one patient developed displacement of the Jones tube requiring a revision CDCR. Findings on follow-up included a pyogenic granuloma overlying the opening of the Jones tube and a mucus plug which was irrigated with subsequent resolution of epiphora.
Conclusions: :
The catheter assisted CDCR technique thus far has had an excellent outcome in improving or completely treating epiphora from upper lacrimal system obstruction, including in patients who have had previous failed dacryocystorhinostomies.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • anatomy • orbit