AIM: To assess the long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of primary powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: Retrospective review of all primary powered endoscopic DCR's performed over a 10-year period from 2003 to 2012. A minimum of 12 months follow-up after stent removal was required for inclusion into this study. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical and surgical profiles, adjunctive procedures, complications and success rates at last follow-up. Anatomical success was defined as a patent ostium on irrigation, and functional success as free flow of dye into ostium, and resolution of epiphora. RESULTS: Ninety powered endoscopic DCRs were performed on 69 patients. The mean age at surgery was 58.7 years (range 4-91 years). All patients presented with epiphora. 50.7% (35/69) patients underwent adjunctive endonasal procedures. The mean follow up was 21.8 months (range: 12-103 months). No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications noted included postoperative bleeding, ostium granuloma and membrane over internal common opening in one patient each. At last follow-up, the final anatomical success was achieved in 97.7% and functional success in 95.5% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Powered endoscopic DCR is a safe procedure and offers excellent long-term results. Adjunctive endonasal procedures should be performed where indicated. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.
AIM: To assess the long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of primary powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: Retrospective review of all primary powered endoscopic DCR's performed over a 10-year period from 2003 to 2012. A minimum of 12 months follow-up after stent removal was required for inclusion into this study. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical and surgical profiles, adjunctive procedures, complications and success rates at last follow-up. Anatomical success was defined as a patent ostium on irrigation, and functional success as free flow of dye into ostium, and resolution of epiphora. RESULTS: Ninety powered endoscopic DCRs were performed on 69 patients. The mean age at surgery was 58.7 years (range 4-91 years). All patients presented with epiphora. 50.7% (35/69) patients underwent adjunctive endonasal procedures. The mean follow up was 21.8 months (range: 12-103 months). No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications noted included postoperative bleeding, ostium granuloma and membrane over internal common opening in one patient each. At last follow-up, the final anatomical success was achieved in 97.7% and functional success in 95.5% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Powered endoscopic DCR is a safe procedure and offers excellent long-term results. Adjunctive endonasal procedures should be performed where indicated. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.