Publication:

Dacrocystography: a pre requisite to endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy

Background Dacryocystography is a simple radiological procedure in which a radiographic water-soluble dye like iohexal or neohydriol is injected into the lacrimal system and free flow of dye is noted from the eyes into the nose and any restriction in the flow of indicates obstruction and site of the same.

Methods This is a prospective study of role of dacryocystography in 31 cases of dacrocystitis who presented to the ENT outpatient clinic of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital over a period of 1.5 years i.e. from June 2016 to December 2017 who were planned for dacrocystorhinostomy. Patient was placed in dorsal decubitus position and local anaesthesia was administered. No. 15 catheter was connected to a syringe containing contrast medium and its ends are introduced into both lacrimal puncta. Head of the patient is fixed and the contrast medium was administered through both the puncta simultaneously and serial radiographs were obtainedResults: The role of dye study, prior to endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy dacrocystography was studied in 31 subjects. Of the 22 subjects who underwent surgical intervention, 18 (81.8%) had a complete obstruction while 4 (18.2%) had a partial block.

Conclusions Dacryocystography is a useful and cost-effective investigation to delineate the obstruction in the nasolacrimal system. It aids in confirmation of clinical diagnosis as well as making a diagnosis in doubtful cases.