[Balloon dilatation and Stentimplantation of the nasolacrimal duct for chronic epiphora].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the clinical outcome of the ballon dilatation in stenosis and obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.


METHODS
63 patients (69 nasolacrimal duct systems) with epiphora and proven obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct were treated with ballon dilatation, respectively Stentimplantation. In 55 cases there was a pre- or postsaccal stenosis, in 14 cases an occlusion of the nasolacrimal duct system. The diagnosis was established by dacryocystography.


RESULTS
Technical success was obtained in 61 cases (n=50/55 stenosis; n=11/14 occlusions). Over a mean follow-up of 6 months patency of the nasolacrimal duct system was achieved in 83,6% (46/55) in stenosis. In occlusion the clinical outcome was 42,9% (6/14).


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon dacryocystoplasty and Stentimplantation are minimal-invasive alternatives, performed in local anesthesia that recover the normal anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct system. They are a good alternative in the treatment of epiphora caused by nasolacrimal duct obstructions.
Lachmund
U
U
Augenklinik, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Schweiz. lachmundulrich@bluewin.ch
Ammann-Rauch
D
D
Forrer
A
A
Grob
M
M
Petralli
C
C
Remonda
L
L
Roeren
T
T
Wilhelm
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; 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; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011859:Radiography; D019233:Retreatment; D015607:Stents