Computerized survey of lacrimal surgery patients.

A computerized survey of 295 patients undergoing lacrimal drainage surgery within a three-year period where a six-month follow-up was possible was undertaken. The etiology and demographic information regarding tear duct obstruction was assessed. Dacryocystorhinostomy surgery was found to be highly successful (93%), in obstructions of the lacrimal sac and lacrimal duct. The overall success rate in patients with canalicular and common canalicular obstruction undergoing a reconstructive approach was 73%, and those cases where an attempt was made to relieve epiphora with the insertion of a Jones bypass tube had a success rate of 65% on one operation. Most of these Jones tube patients could ultimately be rendered tear-free.