Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to collect additional data on the long-term success (LTS) of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) and the impact of pre-, intra- and postoperative factors on the surgical outcome. This was intended to increase the precision of the indication for DCR.
Method: A retrospective, non-comparative study was conducted on 637 ext-DCR due to dacryocystitis performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle. This included all surgical interventions on patients of at least 11 years of age. Using standardised questionnaires and patient records, 60.75 % (n = 387) of patients were surveyed. Follow-up was 1.0 to 12.0 years (mean, 4.0 years).
Results: Analysis of patient satisfaction showed satisfactory (20.2 %) and very satisfactory (74.2 %) results. LTS was 94.4 % (n = 365). Factors negatively influencing postoperative outcome were prior surgical interventions of nose and/or sinus, previous ext-DCR and transcanalicular lacrimal surgery. Surgical outcome was positively influenced by lacrimal sac size and lacrimal stenting. Large saccus lacrimales and use of monocanalicular intubates improved LTS.
Conclusions: LTS of ext-DCR shows very good results, thus underlining its superiority to other surgical approaches. Special attention should be paid to diseases and previous surgical interventions on the nose and/or sinus that effect the lacrimal duct system. Therefore, a special committee of ENT physicians and ophthalmologists has been established at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle. From the surgical point of view, it is important to create an adequate mucosal anastomosis using lacrimal and nasal mucosa. Restoration is possible with lacrimal stent materials. The indication for ext-DCR was restricted by competition with transcanalicular endoscopic interventions to preserve physiological lacrimal drainage.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.