DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY

Purpose: To compare the results of standard dacryocystorhinostomy with the results ofdacryocystorhinostomy done with silicon tube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi. Study design: This is a hospitalbased, prospective, comparative and interventional study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Allied HospitalPunjab Medical College Faisalabad. Period: January 2006 to December 2006. Methods: Twenty seven patients ofchronic dacryocystitis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 15patients who underwent standard dacryocystorhinostomy and Group B consisted of 12 patients who underwentdacryocystorhinostomy along with intubation of the lacrimal canaliculi with silastic tubes. All the patients were followedup for at least six months post-operatively. Success of the procedure, defined as the symptomatic relief of epiphoraand infection was assessed at the end of follow-up period. Results: Of the total 27 patients of chronic dacryocystitis23 (85%) were female and 4(15%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 45 years. The success of theprocedure was recorded in 14 (93.33%) patients in group-A and in 10 (83.33%) patients in group B. Quite a few andsimple complications were recorded during the study period. Conclusions: 1. Standard externaldacryocystorhinostomy is a simple and cost effective procedure forthe management of chronic dacryocystitis. 2. Silicontube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi does not have any extra advantage in the management of chronic dacryocystitiswithout canalicular obstruction.