Prolene Suture- Optimizing results in DCR!

Background: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) done to treat chronic dacryocystitis and nasolacrimal duct stenosis may fail due to post-operative granulation tissue and synechia that form around the neo-ostium. Success rates vary in different studies and we are reporting our success rates of a modified DCR by using Prolene thread as a stent. Methods: We performed a modified endoscopic DCR on twenty eyes; senior consultants operated ten eyes and the remainder ten eyes by residents under guidance. We used 6-0 Prolene suture as a stent, instead of silicon tubing, with the help of a 23G Viscoelastic cannula, from lower punctum to the neo-ostium, after creating a large bony opening to form an anastomosis for the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa. Results: The postoperative follow up period was 6 months. The success rate of endoscopic DCR using Prolene stent was 100% even in the hands of residents. Conclusions: This modification enables an easy, safe, effective, reproducible, universally available and low-cost form of DCR easily implemented by surgeons doing this procedure, giving excellent results. Key Words: Endoscopic Dacryocystostomy, Stent, Prolene