Nasolacrimal Polyurethane Stent in the Treatment of Obstruction of the Nasolacrimal System

     Purpose: To describe the placement of a nasolacrimal stent in the obstruction of the nasolacrimal system and evaluate the results.

     Materials and Methods: The authors describe the endonasal placement of a polyurethane stent under fluoroscopic guidance with local anesthesia. Stents were placed in 25 patients with obstruction of the lachrymal system located at the level or below the lachrymal sac.

     Results: Stent placement was technically successful in 23 of the 25 patients. After the procedure all patients had complete resolution of epiphora. During follow-up no stents migrated; three stents become obstructed with reappearance of epiphora. One of them was reopened with irrigation with saline solution through the stent.

     Conclusions: Polyurethane stent placement is a good choice as an initial treatment in the obstruction of the nasolacrimal system located below the lachrymal sac.