Lateral canthal surgery in the management of epiphora.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the functional benefit and cosmetic appearance after lateral canthal surgery in the management of epiphora.


METHODS
A case series of 75 eyelids in 52 patients who underwent lateral canthal tightening procedures for epiphora in the Kent & Sussex Hospital (UK) between January 1997 and February 1999. All surgery was performed on a Day Case basis. Patients had between one and three follow-up appointments and all patients were surveyed by telephone in August 1999. The minimum follow-up was six months.


RESULTS
All patients demonstrated a successful anatomical result at the time of discharge. Epiphora was cured or greatly reduced in 84% of eyes. Satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance was expressed in 86% of eyes. Transient postoperative tenderness over the lateral orbital rim was the most common complication (63%), in some cases lasting up to eight weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Lateral canthal surgery is an effective tool in the management of epiphora, giving good functional and aesthetic results.
Kielhorn
Ingrid
I
Eye Department, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, England, U.K. ikielhorn@doctors.org.uk
Rowson
Neil J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome