Probing and syringing with 3% solution of NaCl and/or 0.2 mg/ml mitomycin-C in nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of lacrimal probing and syringing among 3% solution of Sodium Chloride and/or 0.2 mg/ ml Mitomycin-C as an adjunctive medication. DESIGN A prospective, randomized, 2 by 2 factorial design study. MATERIAL AND METHOD Forty-eight of nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients with epiphora symptom were randomly assigned to receive either Normal Saline Solution or 3% solution of Sodium Chloride or 0.2 mg/ml Mitomycin-C solution or combined 3% solution of Sodium Chloride with 0.2 mg/ml Mitomycin-C solution, during office probing and syringing. The intervention was performed repeatedly at week 0, weeks 2 and 4. An assessment of epiphora with Visual Analogue Scale were evaluated at week 0, weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12. RESULTS Probing and syringing was successfully reducing epiphora symptom. Mitomycin-C group showed a significant reduction in mean difference of Visual Analogue Scale score compared with Normal Saline Solution group (2.85, 95% CI: 1.164-4.536, p < 0.001) and 3% Sodium Chloride group (2.175, 95% CI: 0.489-3.861, p < 0.01). No complication or adverse event was found. CONCLUSION 0.2 mg/ml Mitomycin-C solution of was the most effective medication for office probing and syringing in reducing epiphora symptom in nasolacrimal duct obstruction patients.