Author/Editor		Drnovšek-Olup, Brigita; Beltram, Matej
Title		Trauma of the lacrimal drainage system: retrospective study of 32 patients
Type		članek
Source		Croat Med J
Vol. and No.		Letnik 45, št. 3
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 292-4
Language		eng
Abstract		Aim. To assess retrospectively the results and complications of surgical techniques applied in the treatment of patients with trauma of the lacrimal drainage system. Methods. Out of 32 patients with lacrimal drainage system trauma included in the study, 25 were treated atthe University Eye Clinic, Ljubljana Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 1999 to 2003, and 7 were referred for secondary repair from other health care institutions in the same time period. All patients with fresh injuries underwent surgery within 48 h. The patients were followed up to a year after surgery. We evaluated the function of the lacrimal drainage system by irrigation at the last follow-up visit. Results. Patent lacrimal drainage system was achieved in all 25 patients with primary reconstruction of the injury. Restenosis of the canaliculus occurred in 4 out of 7 patients after secondary reconstruction. Conclusions. Early repair ofthe lacrimal drainage system eliminates complications in comparison with secondary repair. Repair of the lacrimal drainage system may be delayed for up to 48 h, if an experienced operating team is available.
Descriptors		LACRIMAL APPARATUS LACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES