Reestablishing Lacrimal Drainage by Canaliculorhinostomy after Dacryocystectomy: A Viable Option in Symptomatic Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome and efficacy of a modified technique of canaliculo-dacryocystorhinostomy (canaliculo-DCR) in the complete absence of lacrimal sac, as a means to reestablish lacrimal drainage in postdacryocystectomy (post-DCT) patients. METHODS: A retrospective, nonrandomized interventional study including 15 proven and established post-DCT patients with intact canaliculi of at least 7 to 8 mm. The patients presented with bothersome tearing to the oculoplastic clinic from January 2017 to January 2018. Patients were operated by a single surgeon (ST). Procedure involved creating a bony ostium of optimum size, internal membranectomy and the nasal mucosal flap anchored appropriately to create a passage in line with the common canaliculus. Adjunctively bicanalicular intubation and mitomycin-C were used. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients who were operated (10 female and five male patients), 14 (93.33%) had functionally and anatomically patent lacrimal passage after the modified canaliculo-DCR, one (6.66%) was symptomatically better with partial regurgitation of clear fluid. Three (20%) had tube prolapse after 1st month postoperatively, which although significant, was not related to the technique. They were repositioned as an office procedure and retained thereafter till removal, no other tube related or mitomycin-C related sequelae was seen. No intraoperative complication was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: With a success rate of 93.33% and a resultant patent lacrimal tear drainage passage and trivial complication such as tube prolapse, we can conclude, this technique of modified canaliculo-DCR in post-DCT patients is a safe and effective procedure with promising results, thereby avoiding cumbersome methods and maintenance of Jones tube while at the same time providing symptomatic relief to the patients.