[Indications and contraindications of lacrimal duct balloon dilatation].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the indications and contraindications for balloon dacryocystoplasty.


METHODS
So far 85 patients with severe epiphora because of relative stenosis (n = 47) or occlusion (n = 38) of the nasolacrimal duct have undergone dilation. The success rates were evaluated during the acute phase and the follow-up period of 6-12 months. Treatment failures and recurrence of stenosis were analyzed and compared to the clinical and dacryocystographic indications prior to treatment.


RESULTS
A recanalization success rate of 79% was achieved in patients with isolated postsaccal stenoses or short-distance occlusions of the nasolacrimal duct. Patients with additional presaccal and saccal stenoses, filling defects in the duct lumen, or long-distance occlusions had lower initial recanalization rates (66%). Main predictors for recurrent obstructions were active inflammation, filling defects due to calculi, extensive occlusion and post-traumatic lesions. In the absence of these factors 12-month patency rates of 80% were proved.


CONCLUSIONS
Dacryocystoplasty procedures should preferably be performed in patients with circumscribed functional postsaccal stenosis. In these cases a success rate of about 80% is possible. Otherwise the value of the intervention is limited by high failure and recurrence rates.
Müller
H M
HM
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main.
Fries
U
U
Berkefeld
J
J
Thalhammer
A
A
Kirchner
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome