Abstract:

Epiphora is a clinical case characterised with the liquefaction of the eyes as the tears can not reach to the nasal cavity because of an obstruction in the nasolacrimal system. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) can be used primary or as a revision surgery to treat chronic dacryocystitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of EDCR operation. In the study, clinical results of 80 patients after the EDCR operation have been evaluated. Bilaterally EDCR was applied to 12 of the female patients and 92 eyes were examined in total including 82 female patient eyes and 10 male patient eyes. Bicanalicular silicon tube was inserted to 72 of the patients and T tube was inserted to 5 of the patients,in 15 patients only anastomosis of the lacrimal sac to the nasal passage was performed. Patients were observed for minimum 6 and maximum 36 months. A total 80 patient underwent surgery. 70 of the patients were female and 10 of them were male. The average age was 38 years. The most common complaint epiphora detected in all patients. 48.9% of surgery was on rigt side. 8 (8.7%) of 92 eyes had synechia between the lateral nasal wall and the middle concha lateral surface and 16 (17.4%) of them had granulation tissues around the ostium. 8 (8.7%) eyes underwent the revision EDCR and 5 (5.4%) of them benefited. Average stay duration of the silicon tube and its standart deviation were calculated as 4.64±1.271 (3–6) months. Complete success rate and partial success rate was determined 78.3% and 15.2% respectively. In conclusion, EDCR is a well tolerated a valid alternative operation with low incidence of complications and has a high general success rate. Furthermore, endoscopic surgery may also have a benefit of preserving the lacrimal pump system and leaving no surgical scar.

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