Retrocaruncular approach to the medial orbit for dacryocystorhinostomy.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to present a versatile approach to the medial orbit behind the caruncula for dacryocystorhinostomy.


METHODS
This study was a retrospective, non-comparative, case series with a description of the surgical technique. We report 11 procedures carried out on 10 patients, who were operated on for DCR using the retrocaruncular approach (RCDCR). Surgical indications and complications were recorded for every patient.


RESULTS
Lacrimal patency was obtained in 82% of the cases. The average follow-up was 2.81 months (1-6.5).


CONCLUSIONS
DCR may be safely completed through a retro-caruncular approach. The retrocaruncular approach provides excellent and safe exposure of the posterior aspect of the lacrimal sac, and it avoids the scarring associated with the skin approach.
Adenis
Jean Paul
JP
Department of Ophthalmology, Dupuytren University Hospital, Avenue Martin Luther King, 87042 Limoges, France. pradenis@unilim.fr
Robert
Pierre-Yves
PY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D016896:Treatment Outcome