To study surgical outcome in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) stent insertion in initial endoscopic DCR and the complications associated with the surgery.

This is a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

The study was carried in a tertiary level center (period between November 2009 and February 2015). A total of 50 patients with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction were divided randomly into two groups – with one group undergoing endoscopic DCR with stent and the other group undergoing endoscopic DCR without stent. The postoperative results were assessed subjectively and objectively after 3 and 6 months and also for complications of the procedure. The results were statistically analyzed by chi-square test.

There was significant postoperative improvement across all participants and within both groups. A total of 92% of patients in the stent group and 84% of patients in the without stent group improved. There was no significant difference with respect to complications. Synechiae and secondary hemorrhage were the most common complications in the without stent group and stent group respectively.

The present study shows that statistically significant difference in results is not achieved by inserting stents initially. But, whenever there is excessive bleeding during surgery, which masks endoscopic picture, or when bony stoma created is small because of thick bone and poor access, when atrophic sac is present, or when adhesions are expected due to pus in sac, then stenting should be done without hesitancy. Best time to do stenting is when surgeons’ first think of stenting. Regular postoperative follow-up is necessary as any defect like synechia and granulation tissue formation can be dealt with immediately.

Rao SVM, Rajshekar MM. Dacryocystorhinostomy Stent Insertion in Initial Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2016;9(3):120-124.