Effect of Previous Temporary Nasolacrimal Stent Implantation on Endoscopic Dacryocystostomy

Aims We compared the outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) in patients with chronic dacryocystitis (CD), with or without previous temporary nasolacrimal stent implantation (TNLSI), then explored whether previous TNLSI influenced postoperative outcomes. Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients with CD and previous TNLSI who underwent En-DCR (group A) between September 2019 and May 2022, and an age- and sex-matched control group of patients with CD who had not undergone previous implantation (group B). Lacrimal sac parameters were measured by computed tomography-dacryocystography, and surgical findings were recorded during surgeries. The surgical success rates were compared between the two groups at 12 months after surgery. Results There were 53 patients in group A and 106 patients in group B. In group A, the mean horizontal, sagittal, and vertical lengths were 4.94 ± 1.30 mm, 4.88 ± 1.17 mm, and 7.85 ± 2.03 mm; in group B, these three lengths were 6.16 ± 1.25 mm, 5.97 ± 1.20 mm, and 10.00 ± 2.18 mm, respectively. All three parameters were significantly smaller in group A than in group B. Scar formation in the sac was observed in all patients in group A; it was not present in group B. At 12 months after surgery, the anatomical and functional success rates were 75.47% (40/53) and 71.70% (39/53), respectively, in group A; they were 93.40% (99/106) and 91.51% (97/106) in group B. The success rates were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Conclusion Previous TNLSI may reduce lacrimal sac parameters and cause scar formation, thereby reducing the likelihood of success after En-DCR.