NASOLACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTIONS - TREATMEN T WITH BALLOON DILATATION AND STENT IMPLANTATION

Purpose: To evaluate treatment of epiphora caused by obstructions of t he nasolacrimal duct system with balloon dilatation and stent implanta tion. Material and Methods: 28 dacryocystoplasties were performed in 2 0 patients with complete (n=7) or incomplete (n=13) obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct system. Results: Dacryocystoplasty was technically successful performed in 26 cases (93%). Recanalisation was not achieve d in two patients with complete obstructions. 17 patients showed compl ete or partial resolution of epiphora during follow-up of up to two ye ars (clinical success 85%). Complete reobstruction occurred only in on e patient 9 months after balloon dilatation and recanalisation was not possible. Conclusion: With a technical success rate of 93% and a clin ical success rate of 85% dacryocystoplasty is a non-operative alternat ive for treatment of epiphora caused by obstructions of the nasolacrim al duct system.