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Hydrogel lacrimal stent effective for correcting acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, study suggests
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A newly designed hydrogel lacrimal stent appears well-tolerated and effective for performing dacryocystorhinostomy surgery to correct acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, according to a study by researchers in California.
"The device may serve as a useful surgical tool by holding open the ostium, maintaining apposition of the mucosal edges and decreasing the incidence of nasal adhesions," the authors said.
Robert A. Goldberg, MD, and colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles, performed dacryocystorhinostomy using a newly designed hydrogel lacrimal stent on 23 ostia in 23 patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Subsequently, the investigators evaluated tearing symptoms, functional endoscopic dye test results and the anatomic appearance of ostia over a minimum follow-up of 6 months after stent removal.
Of the 23 ostia, five closed during the postoperative period, for a late success rate of 78.3%, the authors noted. These five failed cases were successfully treated with ostium revision; one case required two revisions.
"In the successful cases we noted a large, quiet ostium with good separation of the nasal septum and middle turbinate," the authors said.
Eleven cases (47.8%) had previously failed dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, chronic sinusitis, deviated septum or maxillofacial surgery, they noted.
The investigators reported no complications or adverse symptoms associated with the stent itself, according to the study, published in the March/April issue of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.