Balloon catheter dilation in common canalicular obstruction of the lacrimal system: Safety and long-term effectiveness

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and long-term effectiveness of balloon cath eter dilation in the treatment of common canalicular obstruction of the lac rimal system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluoroscopically guided dilation with a 3-mm-diamete r balloon catheter was attempted in 195 eyes of 148 patients (26 men, 122 w omen; mean age, 57 years; age range, 33-78 years) with epiphora due to comm on canalicular obstruction. Eighty-four of 195 eyes had complete obstructio n, and 111 had partial obstruction. RESULTS: Complications were self-limited nasal bleeding (n = 8), false pass age (n = 7), and extravasation of contrast material (n = 6). Initial techni cal success was achieved in 76 (90%) of 84 eyes with complete obstruction a nd in 104 (94%) of 111 eyes with partial obstruction. In the 180 eyes with technical success, immediate clinical improvement was achieved in 76 eyes w ith complete obstruction and in 100 eyes with partial obstruction. The mean follow-up period was 36 weeks (range, 4-168 weeks). The cumulative patency rates were 51% at 6-month, 43% at 12-month, and 40% at 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although the long-term recurrence rate is relatively high, ball oon catheter dilation is a safe and effective therapeutic technique to be u sed initially in common canalicular obstruction.