Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with a T-type ventilation tube.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this article is to present a different endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy technique and its results on patients with blockage of the nasolacrimal drainage system. METHODS Eleven patients (seven female and four male) who had chronic epiphora with the diagnosis of chronic nasolacrimal duct blockage were operated on using T-type ventilation tubes. Oral antibiotics, nasal steroids, oral antihistamines, and antibiotic eyedrops were given to all cases. The ventilation tubes were removed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS Of 11 cases, 9 patients had unilateral and 2 patients had bilateral blockage. Eleven sides of nine patients were symptom free (85% success rate), and two patients had decreased continuation in complaints. Granulation tissue occurred in two revision patients. CONCLUSION Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy using a T-type ventilation tube is an easy and cost-effective alternative and has low complication rates in the management of patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.