Principles of treating patients with epiphora
Topographic-anatomic features of lacrimal tracts demand the joint work of ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. We have elaborated an algorithm for examining and managing patients with epiphora, as well as criteria to determine the treatment method for patients with pathology of the vertical section of lacrimal duct. First, we diagnosed the etiology of tearing. Then patients with pathology of the vertical section of lacrimal ducts underwent computer tomography of the paranasal sinuses and orbits. Then an otorhinolaryngologist consulted patients with the pathology of the vertical section of lacrimal ducts. 150 patients with complaints of tearing with the pathology of the vertical section of lacrimal ducts were included in the study. Two groups of patients were allocated. The first group included patients with obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (n=120). The second group included patients with stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct (n=30). Patients of the first group underwent endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with general anesthesia. Patients of the second group underwent balloon dacryoplasty with local anesthesia. The results of the study showed positive results in 78 cases in the patients of the first group, in the second group there were 20 positive results. In addition, the article describes a clinical case of a patient with malignant neoplasm, which shows the need for an algorithm for managing patients with chronic tearing.