EXTERNAL DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY SURGERY

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery is a procedure that aims to eliminate fluid and mucus retention within the lacrimal sac, and to increase tear drainage for relief of epiphora. The aim of the study was to describe the outcome of silicone tube intubation procedure. This is a prospective study of 121 patients conducted at University Hospital Centre “Mother Theresa” in Tirana, Albania over the period 2013-2014. Patients with a review period of minimum 3 months were included in the study. Patients were examined carefully for lid margin disease, punctal or lid malposition or laxity. Co-existing sinus or nasal pathology was excluded. One hundred twenty one patients were included in the study. The mean age was 61.4 years (range, 29 ? 79 years). Thirty eight (31%) were females and 83 (69%) males. Minimum duration of follow up was 3 months; maximum 46 months (mean 12.4). Twenty four (20%) patients had a history of prior DCR surgery and 5 (4%) patients had a history of DCT. Overall, 112 (93%) of cases were relieved of epiphora, with a success rate of 93.0%. External DCR with silicone intubation is safe and effective surgery in patients whom we expect less favourable outcome.