DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RESULTS WITH AND WITHOUT SILICON INTUBATION IN PAKISTANI PATIENTS OF CHRONIC DACRYOCYSTITIS

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the results of standard dacryocystorhinostomy with the results of
dacryocystorhinostomy done with silicon tube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi. Study design: This is a hospital
based, prospective, comparative and interventional study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Allied Hospital
Punjab Medical College Faisalabad. Period: January 2006 to December 2006. Methods: Twenty seven patients of
chronic dacryocystitis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 15
patients who underwent standard dacryocystorhinostomy and Group B consisted of 12 patients who underwent
dacryocystorhinostomy along with intubation of the lacrimal canaliculi with silastic tubes. All the patients were followed
up for at least six months post-operatively. Success of the procedure, defined as the symptomatic relief of epiphora
and infection was assessed at the end of follow-up period. Results: Of the total 27 patients of chronic dacryocystitis
23 (85%) were female and 4(15%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 45 years. The success of the
procedure was recorded in 14 (93.33%) patients in group-A and in 10 (83.33%) patients in group B. Quite a few and
simple complications were recorded during the study period. Conclusions: 1. Standard external
dacryocystorhinostomy is a simple and cost effective procedure forthe management of chronic dacryocystitis. 2. Silicon
tube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi does not have any extra advantage in the management of chronic dacryocystitis
without canalicular obstruction.