External dacryocystorhinostomy surgery in patients with Wegener granulomatosis

Abstract

Purpose: To determine surgical outcomes after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery in patients with Wegener granulomatosis (WG).

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients with WG who underwent primary or secondary external DCR surgery between January 2001 and January 2010. Clinical data reviewed included patient demographics, systemic disease involvement and immunosuppression therapy, intraoperative biopsy findings, and postoperative outcomes and complications. Success was defined as resolution of epiphora.

Results: Sixteen primary external DCRs were performed on 9 patients with WG, and 2 secondary external DCRs were performed on 2 patients. At the time of surgery, all patients with WG were on systemic immunosuppressive agents including methotrexate, rapamycin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and prednisone, and no patients received increased corticosteroids after surgery. Intraoperative biopsy in patients with WG revealed chronic inflammation (4 patients) and fibrosis (1 patient). Silicone stents were removed at an average of 5.8 months (range, 3-12 months). All surgeries were successful in resolving epiphora with an average follow up of 3.5 years (range, 10 months-6 years) and no complications.

Conclusions: Primary and secondary external DCR surgery successfully treats nasolacrimal duct obstruction in patients with WG on systemic immunosuppression.