Balloon dacryocystoplasty: results in the treatment of complete and partial obstructions of the nasolacrimal system

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dacryocystoplasty (DCP) in the treatment of complete and partial obstruction of the nasolacrimal system (NLS).

Materials and methods: Fluoroscopically guided balloon DCP was attempted in 57 eyes of 50 consecutive patients with complete obstruction of the NLS and 24 eyes of 22 patients with partial obstruction of the NLS. With nasal endoscopic guidance, a 0.018-inch guide wire was introduced through the superior punctum into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity and pulled out through the nare with a hemostat. A deflated angioplasty balloon catheter was introduced in a retrograde direction over the guide wire, and the balloon was dilated.

Results: Initial technical and clinical success was achieved in 29 of 57 eyes (51%) with complete obstruction and 17 of 24 eyes (71%) with partial obstruction. The 2-year cumulative clinical patency rates were 25% and 20% for partial and complete obstructions, respectively. The overall cumulative patency rate for all 81 eyes was 23%.

Conclusion: Balloon DCP is simple and safe but has high failure and recurrence rates.