A Comparative Study of the Results with and without Silicon Intubation in Pakistani Patients of Chronic Dacryocystitis

.. Purpose: To compare the results of standard dacryocystorhinostomy with the results of dacryocystorhinostomy done with silicon tube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi. Study design: This is a hospital based, prospective, comparative and interventional study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Allied Hospital Punjab Medical College Faisalabad. Period: January 2006 to December 2006. Methods: Twenty seven patients of chronic dacryocystitis fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 15 patients who underwent standard dacryocystorhinostomy and Group B consisted of 12 patients who underwent dacryocystorhinostomy along with intubation of the lacrimal canaliculi with silastic tubes. All the patients were followed up for at least six months post-operatively. Success of the procedure, defined as the symptomatic relief of epiphora and infection was assessed at the end of follow-up period. Results: Of the total 27 patients of chronic dacryocystitis 23 (85%) were female and 4(15%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 45 years. The success of the procedure was recorded in 14 (93.33%) patients in group-A and in 10 (83.33%) patients in group B. Quite a few and simple complications were recorded during the study period. Conclusions: 1. Standard external dacryocystorhinostomy is a simple and cost effective procedure for the management of chronic dacryocystitis. 2. Silicon tube stentting of the lacrimal canaliculi does not have any extra advantage in the management of chronic dacryocystitis without canalicular obstruction.