Effects and limitations of diagnostic lacrimal endoscopy without silicone tube intubation

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the effects and limitations of diagnostic lacrimal endoscopy without performing silicone tube intubation in patients with epiphora.

Methods : We conducted a retrospective chart review of 64 eyes of 49 patients who underwent lacrimal endoscopy from May 2021 to May 2022. The analysis included clinical characteristics, irrigation test results, lacrimal endoscopic findings, and type of surgery.

Results : The mean duration of symptoms was 31.2 months and it was significantly longer in the failure group than in the success group (p=0.043). Irrigation tests showed passage in 20 eyes (31.3%), partial obstruction in 16 eyes (25.0%), and complete obstruction in 28 eyes (43.7%). Lacrimal endoscopic findings were narrowing in 41 eyes (64.0%), mucus in 12 eyes (18.8%), fibrosis in 6 eyes (9.3%), granulation in 3 eyes (4.7%), and stone in 2 eyes (3.1%). After performing lacrimal endoscopy, there were 32 eyes in the success group (50.0%), and 32 eyes in the failure group (50.0%). Preoperative irrigation test results did not affect the success rate (p=0.203). Silicone tube intubation was performed in 5 eyes (7.8%) and dacryocystorhinostomy in 8 eyes (12.5%), because symptoms did not improve after lacrimal endoscopy.

Conclusions : When lacrimal endoscopy was performed alone rather than concurrently with silicone tube intubation, it was effective in improving symptoms to some patients. In addition, it can be helpful to determine the surgical technique if additional surgery is required.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.