[Balloon dilatation of the canaliculus communis for chronic epiphora]

Publication

[Balloon dilatation of the canaliculus communis for chronic epiphora]

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 1, 2005

Lachmund U, Ammann-Rauch Dagmar, Forrer A, Petralli C, Remonda L, Roeren T, Vonmoos F, Wilhelm K

Citation

Lachmund U, Ammann-Rauch D, Forrer A, Petralli C, Remonda L, Roeren T, Vonmoos F, Wilhelm K. [Balloon dilatation of the canaliculus communis for chronic epiphora]. Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft 2005; 102:369-74.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (Deutsch)

Journal

Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft 2005; 102

Publication Date

Apr 1, 2005

Issn Print

0941-293X

Pages

369-74

Brief description/objective

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical outcome of the balloon dilatation in stenosis of the canaliculus communis. METHOD: 18 nasolacrimal ducts with epiphora and proven obstruction of the canaliculus communis by dacryocystography (DCG) were treated with balloon dilatation in local anaesthesia. All patients were treated electively. RESULTS: In 16/18 cases the balloon dilatation was technically successful, in 2 patients the guide wire failed to pass the obstruction and the wire could not be placed in the nasal cavity. There were no complications. Over a mean follow-up of 6 months there were 2 reobstructions, one of these led to an occlusion of the canaliculus communis. 14/18 (77,8%) cases after DCP were treated successful, 11/18 cases were free of symptoms after DCP, in 4/18 cases the epiphora improved. CONCLUSIONS: Until recently in stenosis of the canaliculus communis the only therapeutic option was surgical procedure followed by silicone tube intubation. The results were often disappointing. In contrast to this balloon dacryocystoplasty is a minimally-invasive alternative in the therapy of stenosis of the canaliculus communis resulting in good clinical outcome during follow up.