Abstract:

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications in patients operated with the suspended anterior-based U flap technique. Method: Between September 2019 and January 2022, 121 eyes of 103 patients who presented to our clinic with epiphora and were diagnosed as primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction by lacrimal irrigation test and underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy with an anterior suspended U flap technique were included in the study. Anatomical success was considered as open passage in lacrimal irrigation test and functional success was considered as disappearance of epiphora complaint. Results: Of the patients included in the study, 27 (26%) were male and 76(74%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 57.05±14.73 years and the mean follow-up period was 13.41±3.7 months. The mean duration of surgery was 22 ± 3.08 minutes. No serious complications were encountered during or after surgery. When the six-month results were evaluated, 96% anatomical and functional successes were achieved. Conclusion: The anterior U flap technique seems to be an effective treatment method for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which reduces surgical time and morbidity without decreasing functional success.

Keywords: