TREATMENT OF COMPLETE AND PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION OF THE NASOLACRIMAL SYSTEM WITH POLYURETHANE STENTS - INITIAL EXPERIENCE

Purpose: To present our experience in the treatment of nasolacrimal oc clusion by means of polyurethane stents. Methods: Forty polyurethane s tents were placed under fluoroscopic guidance in 35 consecutive patien ts with epiphora due to total or partial obstruction of the nasolacrim al system. The set designed by Song was used in all patients, The proc edure was performed by introducing a guidewire through the superior pu nctum into the canaliculus and advancing it across the obstruction int o the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity. After pulling out the guide wire, the stent was advanced in retrograde fashion and released into t he sac and the nasolacrimal duct. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. The average time for the procedure was 25 min (range 10-60 m in). Immediate complications were: mild pain (n = 5), severe pain (n = 1), minimal epistaxis (n = 7), and moderate epistaxis (n = 1), No maj or complications occurred. The last clinical control revealed complete resolution of epiphora in 35 eyes and partial resolution in four; one patient did not improve. Conclusion: This technique for treatment of obstruction of the nasolacrimal system is simple and safe, and may obv iate the use of more invasive procedures.