Role of endoscopic DCR with stenting in cases of presaccal obstruction: a prospective study

Aims: management of epiphora due to presaccal obstruction in lacrimal drainage system has always been difficult. Different surgical procedures have been tried in past for the same with varying results. We here present our experience of management of all patients with presaccal obstruction by a single standard surgical technique. Material &methods: it is a prospective study comprising of 32 cases (34 eyes) presenting in our institute from January 2008 to December 2013. Among them 10 patients were males and 22 were females of which two underwent surgery for both eyes. The age of patients ranged from 6 to 80 years. The location of obstruction was distal canalicular in 28 eyes, mid canalicular 3 eyes, proximal lower canalicular blockage in 1 eye and 2 eyes had acquired punctal stenosis. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with bicanalicular silicone stent placement. The mean follow up period after stent removal was approximately 13 months. Results: The success rate of primary surgery was 88% where as the success rate following second surgery was 94%. Conclusion: Owing to the success rate of our series we would like to state that endoscopic DCR with probing and bi-canalicular silicone stent intubation should be considered as an initial treatment modality for patients with epiphora due to presaccal obstruction