Endoscopic assessment of the dacryocystorhinostomy ostium after powered endoscopic surgery: behaviour beyond 4 weeks

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the shrinkage of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) ostium beyond 4 weeks. DesignProspective series in a University setting. ParticipantsSixty consecutive patients. MethodsProspectively collected data of 60 consecutive powered endoscopic DCRs performed in 57 patients over a period of 10 years from 2002 to 2011. All patients had regular follow-up of 2 years post-surgery. The ostium size at 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years were evaluated. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences. Main Outcome MeasureChanges in ostium measurements. ResultsThe ostium measured 11.25mm (standard deviation [SD]=1.7; 95% confidence intervals [CI]=10.80-11.69)x7.07 (SD=1.4; 95% CI=6.71-7.42) at 4 weeks. It measured 10.48mm (SD=1.6; 95% CI=10.06-10.90)x6.65mm (SD=1.2; 95% CI=6.34-6.95) at 6 months, 10.22mm (SD=1.5; 95% CI=9.81-10.61)x6.52mm (SD=1.2; 95% CI=6.20-6.80) at 1 year and 10.15mm (SD=1.5; 95% CI=9.76-10.53)x6.45mm (SD=1.2; 95% CI=6.14-6.75). There was no statistically significant decrease in either the ostium size or the area up to 2 years following surgery. ConclusionThe ostium achieved using the powered endoscopic DCR technique remains stable in size from 4 weeks to 2 years post-surgery. This likely reflects the advantages of this technique which facilitates healing by primary intention.