Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Polyurethane nasolacrimal duct stents cannot alter the anatomical structure of lacrimal outflow pathway and is a quick and useful option in treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of polyurethane nasolacrimal duct stents in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
METHODS: Between 2008 and 2009, we treated 94 consecutive nasolacrimal obstructions in 87 patients (mean age 56 years; range 26-71 years) with implantation of polyurethane stents. Indications were nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 31 patients and chronic dacryocystitis in 56 patients. Follow-up was 18 months.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On day 2 after implantation, resolution of epiphora was complete in 92 eyes, accounting for 98% success rate (92/94). On follow-up, 85 of 94 stents (90%) remained patent. There were eight cases developing stent obstruction. Stents malfunctioned in one case, and was easily withdrawn. Complications included pain in seven cases, eyelid inflammation in two cases and nasal hyporrhea in all cases. Experimental findings indicate that polyurethane nasolacrimal duct stent is a quick and useful option in treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction.