title: The Valsalva DCR bubble test: a new method of assessing lacrimal patency after DCR surgery.
abstract: Objective confirmation of nasolacrimal patency following dacryocystorhinostomy is a desirable postoperative goal for both the surgeon and the patient. The authors describe a simple method to demonstrate dacryocystorhinostomy patency and present a study comparing the effectiveness of this novel test with Jones fluorescein testing in 32 cases seen consecutively at postoperative follow-up. The test consists of demonstrating reflux of air through the dacryocystorhinostomy as the patient performs the Valsalva maneuver. This reflux is most easily seen as bubbles rising through a drop of saline placed in the medial canthus. A high correlation was found between this test and Jones testing. The Valsalva dacryocystorhinostomy bubble test (VBT) appears to be a fast, safe, and accurate method of confirming dacryocystorhinostomy patency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Mulligan
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Moshegov
mesh_terms: D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D019793:Fluorescein; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000502:physiology*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000503:physiopathology; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000502:physiology*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000379:methods; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver
chemical_list: D005452:Fluoresceins; D019793:Fluorescein