Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy: An aesthetic approach.

PURPOSE: To report the anatomical and cosmetic outcome of transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy (TDCR) in an Asian Indian population.

METHODS: TDCR was initially performed in cadaver eyes followed by patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). This was a prospective noncomparative case series of all consecutive TDCRs performed between April 2013 and June 2015. Outcome measures were anatomical patency, epiphora, presence of diplopia, aesthetic outcome, and health status.

RESULTS: A total of 17 (18 eyes) patients with a mean age 43.9 ± 11.8 years (range, 32-75) were included in the study. Eight were males, and one patient underwent TDCR in both eyes. TDCR was successfully performed in 15/18 (82%) eyes under local anesthesia. Procedure converted to transcutaneous external DCR in two and dacryocystectomy in one patient each. Mean duration of surgery was 52.6 (range, 29-110) min. Anatomical patency and relief from epiphora was achieved in all (15/15) eyes after TDCR at a median follow-up of 15.5 months. At final follow-up, objective assessment of the cosmetic outcome graded the surgical scar at the lateral canthus as invisible in all except one and conjunctival fornix as visible only after eyelid eversion in all patients. Disturbance of the medial fat pad was not seen in any patient. A questionnaire-based health status evaluation showed marked improvement in anxiety/depression before and after TDCR with an overall well-being score of 88 on a scale of 0-100 (worst-best) after TDCR.

CONCLUSIONS: TDCR offers a promising aesthetic approach in patients with primary acquired NLDO and gives excellent functional and cosmetic outcome.