Efficacy of probing the nasolacrimal duct with adjunctive Mitomycin-C for epiphora in adults.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive low-dose mitomycin-C during lacrimal probing for adults with blocked nasolacrimal ducts.

DESIGN:

Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS:

From January 1998 to December 2000, a total of 32 adult patients (36 eyes) seen with epiphora caused by primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction was treated and evaluated.

INTERVENTION:

Lacrimal probing with adjunctive mitomycin-C (0.2 mg/ml).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Objective evaluation of patency with irrigation, as well as patients' subjective assessment of improvement.

RESULTS:

For 32 of the treated eyes (89%), the nasolacrimal duct remained open 9 months after treatment. Repeat procedure was successful for two of the remaining four eyes with recurrent obstruction during follow-up, yielding an overall patency rate of 94%. Patient satisfaction was assessed after 9 months and indicated that the epiphora was at least mildly improved for 30 (83%) of the treated eyes. Watering was completely absent for nine eyes (25%), rated as moderately improved for 17 (47%), and mildly improved for 4 (11%). No complications were encountered over the 9-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our experience suggests good long-term results for probing with adjunctive, topical Mitomycin-C for cases of adult epiphora caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct followed by repeat procedure if necessary. It can be recommended as a simple, effective, and minimally invasive technique, with no significant complications resulting from low-dose use in our study.

• Authors: Chieh-Chih Tsai, Hui-Chuan Kau, Shu-Ching Kao, Wen-Ming Hsu, Jorn-Hon Liu
• Journal: Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology) Vol. 109 Issue 1 Pg. 172-4 (Jan 2002) ISSN: 0161-6420 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11772600 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
• Mitomycin

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antibiotics, Antineoplastic (therapeutic use)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• Dacryocystorhinostomy
• Female
• Humans
• Lacrimal Duct Obstruction (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mitomycin (therapeutic use)
• Nasolacrimal Duct (surgery)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Prospective Studies
• Stents
• Treatment Outcome