Micheal A O'Rourke1, Paul S Cannon2. 1. Department of Oculoplastic, Orbit and Lacrimal Surgery, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. maorourk@tcd.ie. 2. Department of Oculoplastic, Orbit and Lacrimal Surgery, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) to the lacrimal gland (LG) offers a simple and effective treatment in the management of epiphora. However, there is little data on current practice trends or uptake as an alternative to surgery. This study assesses current practice trends of such treatment amongst BOPSS (British Oculoplastic Surgery Society) members. METHODS: All consultant BOPSS members were invited to participate in a web-based survey which consisted of 5 questions, with a reminder invitation to participate. The role, dose, potential side effects, use as an alternative to surgical intervention, and impact on service delivery were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-one BOPSS consultants (43% uptake) completed the survey. Ninety percent of respondents were regularly using LG BoNTA in their management of epiphora. The main indicators for considering BoNTA use were medical comorbidities and elderly patients. The mean first treatment dose of Botox® was 3.6 units (SD 1.5). Diplopia and ptosis complications were always discussed in the consent for treatment in addition to dry eye. Twenty-five percent of surgeons reported doing less conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomies (cDCR) due to the availability of LG BoNTA. No respondents felt that the requirement for repeated BoNTA treatments was impacting on their service delivery. CONCLUSION: Uptake of LG BoNTA in the management of epiphora is at a similar rate to all other available treatments. As a result, respondents are performing less surgical procedures, particularly cDCR in patients at higher surgical morbidity.
PURPOSE: Injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) to the lacrimal gland (LG) offers a simple and effective treatment in the management of epiphora. However, there is little data on current practice trends or uptake as an alternative to surgery. This study assesses current practice trends of such treatment amongst BOPSS (British Oculoplastic Surgery Society) members. METHODS: All consultant BOPSS members were invited to participate in a web-based survey which consisted of 5 questions, with a reminder invitation to participate. The role, dose, potential side effects, use as an alternative to surgical intervention, and impact on service delivery were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-one BOPSS consultants (43% uptake) completed the survey. Ninety percent of respondents were regularly using LG BoNTA in their management of epiphora. The main indicators for considering BoNTA use were medical comorbidities and elderly patients. The mean first treatment dose of Botox® was 3.6 units (SD 1.5). Diplopia and ptosis complications were always discussed in the consent for treatment in addition to dry eye. Twenty-five percent of surgeons reported doing less conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomies (cDCR) due to the availability of LG BoNTA. No respondents felt that the requirement for repeated BoNTA treatments was impacting on their service delivery. CONCLUSION: Uptake of LG BoNTA in the management of epiphora is at a similar rate to all other available treatments. As a result, respondents are performing less surgical procedures, particularly cDCR in patients at higher surgical morbidity.
Authors: Angel Nava-Castañeda; Jose L Tovilla-Canales; Victor Boullosa; Jose L Tovilla-y-Pomar; Maria H Monroy-Serrano; Victor Tapia-Guerra; Yonathan Garfias Journal: Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2006 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.746