Balloon catheter dilation for treatment of adults with partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and morbidity of balloon catheter dilation for treatment of partial acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction in adults with epiphora.


METHODS
We performed balloon dacryocystoplasty prospectively on a series of 15 partial nasolacrimal duct obstructions in 13 adults with epiphora. Partial obstruction was diagnosed by a negative Jones-1 test and canalicular irrigation revealing simultaneous reflux through the opposing punctum and drainage into the nose. Balloon dacryocystoplasty was performed under local anesthesia using an antegrade insertion technique. Silicone intubation of the nasolacrimal system was performed immediately after balloon catheter dilation, and the tubes were removed 2 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
Success was measured objectively and subjectively at follow-up examinations 2 months and 6 months after the procedure. At 2 months, 11 (73%) of 15 obstructions were open on irrigation, with subjective success (Munk, grade 0 or grade 1) reported in 13 (87%) of 15 obstructions. At 6 months, 11 (73%) of 15 obstructions were open on irrigation, with subjective success (Munk, grade 0 or grade 1) reported in 9 (60%) of 15 obstructions.


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon dacryocystoplasty may be a satisfactory primary treatment for adults with acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction who exhibit no clinical signs of chronic infection. Additional long-term observations following balloon dacryocystoplasty are required.
Perry
J D
JD
Department of Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Maus
M
M
Nowinski
T S
TS
Penne
R B
RB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012826:Silicone Elastomers