Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with a T-type ventilation tube.

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.