NASOLACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION TREATED NONSURGICALLY WITH USE OF PLASTIC STENTS

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical utility of plastic stents in treatment of complete obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen plastic stents were successfully placed under fluoroscopic guidance in 16 consecutive patients with epiphora due to complete obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. After balloon dilation of the obstructed area, the stents were placed in the lacrimal system with the head portion lying in the dilated lacrimal sac and the body in the nasolacrimal duct and projecting into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. RESULTS: Complete resolution of epiphora was accomplished in 15 (79%) of 19 eyes and partial resolution in the remaining four (21%) eyes. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results with use of plastic nasolacrimal stents are encouraging.