External DCR with 1-week silicone stent intubation shows potential for long-term success
Patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with 1-week silicone stent intubation showed good long term outcomes, according to a study published in Orbit.
Researchers followed 67 patients who underwent a total of 70 DCR surgies with 1-week silicone stent intubation during a 4-year follow-up period. Patients filled out a questionnaire at the end of follow-up to assess the frequency of epiphoric problems.
Additional surgery was needed by 1 patient during the follow-up period due to persistent epiphora caused by synechiae between the middle turbinate and lateral nasal wall. A total of 88% of participants completed the questionnaire. The majority (93%) reported never or seldomly experiencing epiphora.
Of the 4 patients who reporter persistent problems, 1 declined furth treatment, 2 had tear ducts that were anatomically patent, and 1 had inflamed nasal mucosa and extensive adhesions and was referred to an ENT. The long-term functional or anatomical success rate was 97%.
Reference
Bohman E, Dafgard Kopp E. One-week intubation in external dacryocystorhinostomy– a report on long-term outcome. Orbit. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1080/01676830.2020.1778737