Endoscopic endonasal balloon-dacryoplasty in failed dacryocystorhinostomy

Objective: Endoscopic endonasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that can be used in recurrent epiphora, a common pathology in both adulthood and childhood. Study design/Settings: We present a retrospective case series of eight patients who underwent trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty after a failed external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, from March 2019 to January 2020, at the Department of Otolaryngology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. Subjects and Methods: All patients underwent routine preoperative work-up including fluorescein test (Jones test I–II), probing and irrigation of the lacrimal pathway and nasal endoscopy. Because of the recurrent nature of the pathology, pre-operatory computed tomography scan or dacryocystography was not performed. The surgical procedure was based on enlargement of the stenotic neorhinostomy created by primary dacryocystorhinostomy through the use of a high-pressure balloon catheter. Anatomical success was defined as a patent ostium on irrigation, whereas functional success was defined as free lacrimal flow on functional test and resolution of epiphora. Results: Anatomic and functional success was achieved in 100% of patients. Operative time ranged from 9 to 22 min (mean 16 min). No significant complications were reported. Conclusion: Our results indicate that trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty can be considered as a safe and reliable surgical approach after a failed primary dacryocystorhinostomy. The shorter surgical time and reduced post-operative complication rates are the main advantages of this procedure.

Endoscopic and Radiologic Findings in Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy: Teaching Pearls for Success

Background Although several studies have commented on causes of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) failure, detailed description of anatomical findings in such cases remains insufficient. Objective Our objective was primarily to analyze radiologic, endoscopic, and intraoperative findings in patients presenting with failed DCR and secondarily to assess the outcome of revision endoscopic DCR (endo-DCR) carried out at our institution. Methods Twenty-four failed DCRs presenting to our tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. Data collection included patients’ history, diagnostic, and management data, as well as thorough analysis of sinonasal CT scans, along with endoscopic and intraoperative findings. Outcome was also assessed in 21 cases with revision endo-DCR performed. Results The anterior part of uncinate process was not previously removed in 15 sides (62.5%), with unopened agger nasi in 13 sides (54.2%). The lacrimal bone was detected covering the posterior sac despite removal of the anterior ascending process of maxilla in 9 sides (37.5%). Rhinostoma was anterior to lacrimal sac in 2 sides (8.3%) and was below the sac in 7 sides (29.2%). Fibrous membrane covered the rhinostoma despite removal of all sac-overlying bones in 6 sides (25%). Other findings included intranasal adhesions, septal deviation, lateralized middle turbinate, granulation tissue, foreign body reaction, and chronic sinusitis. Nineteen of the 21 revision endo-DCRs were successful (90.5%). Conclusion This study provides a precise anatomical description of findings in cases of failed DCR. Such information is paramount in helping surgeons enhance their learning curve, refine the surgical technique, and improve patients’ outcome.