Late Failure of Dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

PURPOSE: The authors describe a group of patients with initially successful dacryocystorhinostomy surgery with late recurrence of epiphora. The causes of late failure and its management are documented. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of primary dacryocystorhinostomy cases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were an initially successful primary dacryocystorhinostomy and recurrence of symptoms at least 12 months after surgery, together with clinical evidence of impaired lacrimal drainage. Patients' subsequent procedures were detailed and outcomes determined. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of late failure of dacryocystorhinostomy were identified (8 of 1,158 surgeries by A.A.M., 4 of 378 by D.S., ..