Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with an otologic T-type ventilation tube in repeated revision cases

BACKGROUND: To compare the frequency of appearance of complications, anatomical success and functional success after conventional endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomies (EN-DCRs) or EN-DCR with otologic T-Type ventilation tube combined with silicone tube intubation in repeated revision cases. METHODS: Twenty-two patients who had epiphora and recurrent dacryocystitis after at least a previous failed revision DCR as well as 22 patients receiving conventional EN-DCR only were enrolled in the study between January 2008 and December 2011. Operations were performed by using an otologic T-tube combined with silicone tube intubation. Oral antibiotics, nasal steroids, oral antihistamines, and antibiotic eyedrops were given to all cases. The ventilation tubes were removed 6 to 20 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Of 22 cases, all cases achieved anatomical success, 19 cases were symptom free, and 3 cases had decreased continuation in complications with a functional success rate of 81.8%. The overall success rates were significantly higher than those in patients undertaking conventional EN-DCR only (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The revision endoscopic DCR has a high rate of failure. The usage of a T-type ventilation tube can significantly improve the success rate of surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-INR-17012160, retrospectively registered on July 27th, 2017.