Preoperative Nasoseptal-Lacrimal Fossa Distance as a Predictor of Endoscopic DCR Failure: A Retrospective Analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

BackgroundDacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgery performed for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). A high septal deflection may limit surgical access, and if not corrected, contribute to an increase in DCR failure rates due to increased adhesion formation. We hypothesize that a narrower distance between the nasal septum (NS) and lacrimal fossa (LF) is associated with higher rates of DCR failure.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether a reduced nasal septum-lacrimal fossa (NS-LF) distance is associated with higher rates of endoscopic DCR (Endo DCR) failure and to determine a clinically relevant cutoff distance that may guide consideration for concomitant septoplasty.MethodsA single-institution retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received an endoscopic "Endo" DCR between July 2018 and July 2023. Data collected included demographics, septal deviation presence and laterality, NLDO laterality, and failure rates, where failure was defined as the need for a repeat ipsilateral DCR. The NS-LF distance was determined on preoperative computed tomography.ResultsA total of 521 patients were identified, with an average age of 60.3 years (SD = 16.47); 4.4% (n = 23) of patients experienced Endo DCR failure, requiring revision Endo DCR; 8.7% (n = 45) of patients underwent concomitant septoplasty with initial DCR. Patients who failed had a significantly shorter NS-LF distance (8.47 mm vs 9.25 mm,

Volume

40

Issue

3

First Page

222

Last Page

229

ISSN

1945-8932

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

41544007

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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