Author

Basrah Teaching Hospital, Basrah, IRAQ

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the necessity for silicone tube insertion following endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), and the optimal time for its removal. 
 A prospective study was done at Al-sadr Teaching and Al-Shafaa General Hospitals in Basrah, Iraq on seventy two patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction diagnosed and referred from ophthalmologist to ENT clinic. Preoperative assessment with investigations were done and all patients were subjected to endoscopic endonasal DCR. The patients were divided into three groups; the first group included those with long period stenting (silicone tube removed three months or more), the second group included those patients with short period stenting (tube removed 2-3 weeks after surgery), and the last group included those with no silicone tube stenting. The success rate and complications after surgery were studied in each group for more than one year. 
 The 72 patients were; 63 females (87.5%) who affected more than males (9, 12.5%). the most common age group was 21-45 years. Left side of disease 41(56.9%) is more than right side 31(43.1%).  Sixty eight operations (94.4%) out of 72 were primary surgery while four (5.6%) were revision surgery. Ancillary procedures were done also; 13 (18%) septal surgery and 3(4.1%) endoscopic sinus surgery.  Success rate was more among short period stenting group 22 out of 24 (91.6%), then without stenting group 19 (82.6%) and those with long period stenting was only 20 from 25 (80%). 
 In conclusion, no statistical significant difference (benefit) about the usage or not of the silicone tube and also about how long keeping the tube, but it is preferable to use silicone tube (for 2-3 weeks only) to improve success rate.
 
Keywords: Silicone tube, Insertion, Endonasal,  Endoscopic, Surgery  

Keywords