[Balloon dilatation and Stentimplantation of the nasolacrimal duct for chronic epiphora]

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the clinical outcome of the ballon dilatation in stenosis and obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.

Material and 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).

Conclusion: 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.