External Dacryocystorhinostomy versus Canalicular Silicone Intubation with Mitomycin C in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Abstract Purpose: To compare external dacryocystorhinostomy versus canalicular silicone intubation with the use of Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: the study was carried out at the department of Ophthalmology, Menoufia university Hospital, Egypt, between June 2012 to July 2014. Fifty-six patients who were diagnosed with primary acquired NLDO. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: thirty cases underwent external DCR and twenty-six cases underwent silicone intubation with MMC. Results: No significant difference was detected in success and failure rates between external DCR (90%) and silicon intubation with MMC (80.7%) at 6 months follow up. Also, both procedures were associated with low rate of intraoperative adverse events, with no postoperative adverse events were detected, however, intubation was relatively safer than DCR. Conclusion: Silicon intubation with MMC is as effective and safe as external DCR and should be considered as a minimally invasive procedure in primary acquired NLDO. Keywords: External DCR, canalicular silicone intubation, Mitomycin C.