EXTERNAL DACRIOCYSTORINOSTOMY WITH SILICONE TUBE INTUBATION; LONG TERM RESULTS

Aim: To present the long-term results of bicanalicular silicone tube intubation combined with external dacryocystorhinostomy (EDRS) in-patient with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) 
Methods: Long-term results of 169 eyes of 169 patients who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy between January 2010 and December 2020 in our clinic were evaluated, retrospectively. On the postoperative 1st day, 10th day, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, 12th month, and last visits, the patients were evaluated. Especially on the postoperative 1st day for signs of infection, the position, tension, and placement of the silicone tube, and the presence of epiphora. Silicone tubes of the patients were removed 6 months after surgery. Surgical success; The disappearance of the patient's symptoms was evaluated as the lacrimal drainage open. 
Results: 102 of our cases were female and 67 were male. The mean age-standard error was 55,48±1,36. Our average follow-up-standard error was 47,83±2,27 months. Surgical failure occurred in two of our patients. These cases were who were severe bleeding occurred during surgery and flaps were formed with difficulty. In these cases, revision surgeries were performed with an internal approach and surgical success were achieved in both of them. In our patients, who underwent bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery combined with external dacryocystorhinostomy, the surgical success rate was 98,76% in the first operation and 100% in the second operation. 
Conclusions: Considering the long-term results of bicanalicular silicon tube intubation combined with dacryocystorhinostomy operations, it is the most effective surgical method with the highest success rate in nasolacrimal canal obstruction.