Partial lacrimal carunculectomy: a simple procedure for epiphora.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of partial surgical excision of enlarged lacrimal caruncles, termed megalocaruncles, in patients with epiphora from functional lacrimal drainage obstruction.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.


METHODS
From May 1995 through December 1999, 88 patients (46 women and 42 men; mean age, 68 years) with epiphora, patent lacrimal drainage system on irrigation, and a megalocaruncle underwent a partial lacrimal carunculectomy procedure. In 26 patients, a bilateral partial lacrimal carunculectomy was performed.


METHODS
Lacrimal caruncular tissue, with its overlying mucosa, was partially excised, and the wound was closed with interrupted sutures.


METHODS
Symptomatology and patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
After a partial lacrimal carunculectomy procedure, epiphora was subjectively improved in 77% of the patients, ranging from complete relief in 33% to significant improvement in 44% of the patients. Twenty-three percent of the patients had no change in symptoms. The mean follow-up was 12.7 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Megalocaruncles can be the cause of epiphora in patients with functional lacrimal drainage obstruction, for whom a partial lacrimal carunculectomy is an effective surgical procedure in 77% of the cases.
Mombaerts
I
I
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Colla
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000601:surgery; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism