Abstract:
Background
Epiphora has been the most common presenting symptom in Nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Epiphora can cause socially undesirable effects with worsening vision-related quality-of-life,
if untreated epiphora can develop into acute or chronic dacryocystitis.
Dacryocystorhinostomy is a highly successful procedure in managing epiphora. The success
of external DCR has been variably reported in the literatures.
Objectives
The purpose of the study is to present outcome of external DCR at Jimma university medical
center, to assess factors that may influence surgical outcome,
Method
Hospital based, retrospective analytic study was conducted among patients who have
undergone DCR 2016-2021 G.C. structured questionnaire used to collect data and collected
data coded and entered into epidata and then exported to SPSS version 26 for statistical
analysis. A multinomial logistic regression, Chi-square test and fishers exact test was
performed P < 0.05 considered as statistically significant.
Result
A total of 105 patients were studied (mean age, 31.94 years), females to male ratio of nearly
3:1. The most frequent complaint was tearing (50%). Primary acquired NLDO (77 %) was
most common presumed etiology of NLDO. Silicone intubation used in 75% of surgeries.
Overall complete resolution of symptoms seen in 80% of cases. Success rate of external DCR
with silicone intubation was much higher than DCR without tube (83.8% versus 69.2%,
respectively, P=0.018). Retention of silicone longer than 3 month and post-operative wound
site infection is associated with reduced success rate 71.6% and 55.6% respectively.
Conclusion
External DCR is a successful procedure and it is associated few complications. Silicone
intubation improves surgical outcomes of external DCR But, Retention of silicone tube
longer 3 month is associated with increased risk of failure
Post-operative cellulitis may lead to a higher risk of failure in addition retention of silicone
tube longer than 3 month is associated with statistically significant risk of postoperative
cellulitis
