Management of Functional Epiphora in Patients With an Anatomically Patent Dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Approximately 5% to 10% of patients continue to experience persistent epiphora following an anatomically successful dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate the management and success rate of so-called "functional failure" of DCR for nasolacrimal duct obstruction by experienced lacrimal surgeons. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Multicenter retrospective case series including 5 Australian and New Zealand centers. Participants included 61 patients (71% women [n = 46]; mean age, 66 years) with functional epiphora after 65 DCRs (69% transnasal) who were recruited over a mean of 7.6 years. Inclusion criteria included confirmed preoperative diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis, age greater than 18 years, recurrent or persistent epiphora after DCR, an anatomically successful DCR, and follow-up longer than 6 months. Exclusion criteria included evidence of lacrimal hypersecretion, eyelid malposition, and punctal or canalicular abnormalities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The number, type, timing, and success of all clinical interventions performed for the management of functional epiphora after DCR. RESULTS Epiphora recurred a mean of 8.9 months after primary DCR; 89% of the cases (n = 58) had evidence of a patent ostium and 100% were patent on lacrimal irrigation. Intubation with a lacrimal stent was performed in 82% of the cases at the time of surgery, and all stents were removed a mean of 8 weeks postoperatively. Epiphora was reported immediately following DCR in 32% (n = 21) of the cases and within 6 weeks after removal of the stent in 31% (n = 20); late recurrence (>12 months after DCR) developed in 37% (n = 24) of the cases. In a total of 15% of the cases, participants declined any treatment following DCR. The remainder underwent a mean of 1.3 interventions (range, 1-3) during a mean of 23 to 41 months after primary DCR, following which 72% (n = 47) of the cases had a successful outcome; 12% (n = 8) failed to achieve improvement, and the patients declined further intervention. Thirty-nine interventions (60%) were intubation with a silicone stent with a 54% success rate. Almost half of those undergoing intubation elected to keep the stent permanently; 34% (n = 22) had an eyelid-tightening procedure with 50% success, and 15% (n = 10) required a Lester-Jones tube despite patent canaliculi, with a success rate of 90%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Functional epiphora after DCR among patients with preoperative nasolacrimal duct obstruction or stenosis appears to be uncommon. Benefits can be achieved in most patients with intubation (transient or permanent) or eyelid tightening. More than one procedure is often required.

Surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy and risk factors for functional failure: a 10-year experience

“…This discrepancy between anatomical and symptomatic success after DCR is referred to as 'functional failure'. 6,7 The ultimate purpose of DCR is the resolution of tearing symptom; therefore, the functional aspect must be emphasized when analyzing surgical outcomes. However, the causes or risk factors for functional failure remain largely undetermined, and an adequate management strategy has yet to be established.…”

Revision External Dacryocystorhinostomy Results After a Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery

“…In different study series, the frequency of recurrent epiphora after DCR surgery is reported as 5% to 17% [ 17 , 18 ]. The most important factors that play a role in the failure of a DCR surgery are inadequate rhinostomy, excessive scar tissue proliferation, anatomic anomalies and concomitant paranasal sinus infections [ 19 ].…”

External Dacryocystorhinostomy versus Canalicular Silicone Intubation with Mitomycin C in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

“…Its Success rate ranges from 80 to 90% according to different patient's and surgeon's factors. 3,[5][6][7][8][9] nonetheless, and given its invasive and lengthy nature, external DCR has its own drawbacks. Intraoperative complications, such as extensive bleeding, aren't infrequent.…”