Lacrimal bypass surgery in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Background: Optimal placement of dacryostoma and minimally invasive non-traumatic bypass surgery that creates an anastomosis between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity are important to prevent the recurrence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Aim: To develop a simplified technique of bypass creation. Methods: In addition to optic rhinoendoscopy, virtual endoscopy of lacrimal sac and nasal cavity was performed (n = 15). Virtual endoscopy is based on 3 D computer data processing with subsequent reconstruction of nasal cavity and lacrimal sac visualization. This provides 4 D movement effect mimicking optic endoscopy. Nasal mucosal flap was created using radio-wave Jawad tip, lacrimal sac flap was created through the canal using improved radio-wave tip. Flaps were fixed with Tissucol® bioglue. The whole surgery was performed under the control of video endoscope (Storz). Results: The analysis of virtual endoscopy protocols with visible projection of lacrimal sac on nasal cavity lateral wall enabled to select an optimal place for dacryostoma depending on the size and the placement of lacrimal sac. The use of curved radio-wave Jawad tip made possible to create mucosal periosteal flap in all patients. Transcanalicular radio-wave formation of the flap from lacrimal sac wall was easier and safer than endonasal one. Glue flap fixation was technologically easier than suturing.Conclusion: Radio-wave endoscopic nasal mucosal flap creation, radio-wave transcanalicular lacrimal sac flap creation, and flap gluing are a simple and safe method of anastomosis formation in endoscopic dacryocystorhinoscopy.