Clinical Study
Eye (2008) 22, 1483–1487; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702912; published online 24 August 2007
Long-term results of balloon dacryocystoplasty: success rates according to the site and severity of the obstruction
None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any method or material mentioned.
This study was presented at the 24th European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Meeting, 13–16 September 2006, London, UK
O Konuk1, E Ilgit2, A Erdinc1, B Onal2 and M Unal1
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
- 2Department of Radiology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
Correspondence: O Konuk, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, Besevler, 06500, Ankara, Turkey. Tel: +90 312 495 4517; Fax: +90 312 212 5794. E-mail: okonuk@gazi.edu.tr
Received 16 February 2007; Accepted 25 May 2007; Published online 24 August 2007.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the long-term patency of lacrimal drainage system (LDS) after balloon dacryocystoplasty (BD) and to give the long-term success rates according to the severity and localization of the obstruction.
Methods
Between May 1993 and December 2003, BD was attempted in 117 eyes of 108 patients with idiopathic-acquired LDS obstruction. Patients with active dacryocystitis, dacryolithiasis, traumatic obstruction or lacrimal mass, obstructions at the superior or inferior canaliculi lateral to the common canaliculus, and follow-up period less than 36 months were excluded from the study.
Results
The results of BD were evaluated in 99 eyes of 94 cases. The obstruction was seen at the common canaliculus in seven eyes, proximal nasolacrimal duct in 70 eyes, and distal nasolacrimal duct in 22 eyes. The mean follow-up period was 100.0
38.4 months (range: 36–142 months). The long-term overall success rate was 40.8% (20/49 eyes) in complete obstruction and 68% (34/50 eyes) in partial obstruction. The clinical success rate was 57.1% in common canalicular (complete: 33.3%, partial: 75%), 50% in proximal nasolacrimal duct (complete: 38.5%, partial: 64.5%), and 68.2% in distal nasolacrimal duct (complete: 57.1%, partial: 73.3%) obstructions. The overall success was 54.5% (54/99 eyes) for the entire series at the last clinical follow-up visit.
Conclusion
The long-tem success rate of BD for the treatment of epiphora is low and is not comparable to conventional dacryocystorhinostomy. More predictable results can only be achieved in carefully selected patients and this procedure can be recommended in cases demonstrating partial obstruction of the distal nasolacrimal duct.
Keywords:
balloon dilatation, epiphora, lacrimal obstruction, long-term results
