Minimum incision no skin suture external dacryocystorhinostomy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the technique and results of 5-mm incision no skin suture external dacryocystorhinostomy procedure (Ext-DCR).


METHODS
In a retrospective interventional case series, 77 patients (85 procedures) with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) were included. The size of skin incision was 5 mm. Silicone tube was inserted in all and planned to be removed 6 weeks after the operation. Functional success was defined as no symptom or just excess tear in the cold weather and anatomical success as free irrigation at last follow-up time (at least 6 months) when patients' satisfaction (visual analogue score) on the site of incision was also recorded.


RESULTS
There were 85 procedures in 77 patients (52 women; 67.5%) with primary acquired (82) or traumatic (3) NLDO and with a mean age of 52.9 years and follow up of 12.9 months. Associated common canalicular stenosis (membrane) was found in 15 (17.6%), canalicular stenosis in 2 (2.4%), and both in 2 (2.4%) cases. Anatomical and overall functional success was 98.8% (84/85) and 95.3% (81/85), respectively. Subjects with canalicular stenosis had a lower anatomical (75%) and functional (50%) success rates, which were statistically significant (p=0.00). Wound elongation (up to 8 mm) was observed in 3 cases, which did not require skin suturing. Mean patient satisfaction score for the appearance of incision was 99.2.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimum incision (5 mm) no skin suture Ext-DCR offers high patient satisfaction and success rates.
Eye Research Center, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Unit, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran university of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohsen Bahmani
MB
Kashkouli
Mansooreh
M
Jamshidian-Tehrani
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome