Role of Mitomycin C Probing and Syringing in Failed DCR (Dacrocystorhinostomy) Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of 0.01% (0.1 mg/ml) Mitomycin C probing followed by syringing with 0.1% MMC in failed DCR patients.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Place and Duration of Study: from Jan 2014 to Dec 2015 at Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar.

Material and Methods: Thirty (30) patients, 19 females and 11 males of failed DCR were included in the study. Patients with symptoms of epiphora and positive/doubtful regurgitation test were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were traumatic chronic dacryocysitis, history of failed DCR for more than two weeks and nasal abnormality. Probing with Mitomycin C followed by syringing and irrigation were done at presentation, at 6 weeks interval, at 3 months interval and 6 months interval if needed. The procedure was declared successful if saline came into the nose or throat. The patient was prescribed topical antibiotic drops, saline nasal drops and saline gargles. Each time ENT consultation was done to see the side effects of mitomycin in throat and nose.

Results: All of the thirty patients included in the study showed improvement in NLD patency after probing followed by syringing with MMC when failed DCR was detected within first fifteen days of DCR.

Conclusion: If failed DCR patients are detected within fifteen days after surgery, probing and syringing done with mitomycin C improves the patency of NLD system.

Keywords: Dacrocystorhinostomy, mitomycin c, probing and syringing of lacrimal sac.