Evaluation of the cosmetic significance of external dacryocystorhinostomy scars.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the significance of the surgical scar of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) as assessed by the patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.


METHODS
Two hundred ninety-seven external DCRs were performed in 263 patients at the private practices of consultants who were attached to the Sydney Eye Hospital. Structured questionnaires were sent to patients, and the responses were evaluated. Patients were asked to assess the visibility of the scar and the significance of the scar to them on a scale of 1 (least) to 5 (greatest).


RESULTS
The average age of patients was 67.9 +/- 16 years, (72% female, 28% male). Ninety-six percent of the patients were caucasians of Australian/West European descent. Sixty-one of 296 scars (20.6%) were felt to be visible by patients; 31 scars (10.5%) were rated >1 on a scale of 1 to 5 and 12 scars (4%) were rated >2. The average age of patients was highest for those patients with invisible scars, and the lowest average age was for those with scars that were rated >1. A significantly higher proportion of female patients complained of marked scarring (>1 on a scale of 1 to 5). A significantly higher proportion of patients who complained of discomfort during suture removal also complained of marked scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the low percentage of patients who complained of marked scarring, scarring should not be the main ground for deciding the approach to DCR surgery, particularly in older patients. These results are valid for the population that was studied and may be different for different racial backgrounds.
Sharma
Vidushi
V
Oculoplastic Unit, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, 13/105 Waine Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia. svidushi@hotmail.com
Martin
Peter A
PA
Benger
Ross
R
Kourt
Georgina
G
Danks
Jenny J
JJ
Deckel
Yael
Y
Hall
Geoffrey
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D004954:Esthetics / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing