Palpebral dacryoadenectomy for epiphora.

The efficacy of palpebral dacryoadenectomy (PDA) to relieve epiphora was studied in 37 patients. Symptomatic relief and postoperative Schirmer testing was used in the evaluation. The technique is described. All patients had patent lacrimal excretory systems: 62% of patients undergoing lacrimal lobectomy had complete relief of epiphora; 19% had some improvement, but incomplete relief; 76% had postoperative decrease in their Schirmer testing; and 14% had postoperative foreign body sensation and some degree of dry eye.