When maxillofacial surgeons meet ophthalmologists: application of piezosurgery in dacryocystorhinostomies

Background: Chronic obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct leads to inflammation or infection of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of piezosurgery device vs high-speed electric drill with a diamond burr for dacryocystorhinostomies (DCR) in patients with external dacryocystitis. Patients and Methods: Two patient with nasolacrimal duct obstruction was recruited for the study. All procedures were performed by a maxillo-facial surgeon and an ophthalmologist. The follow-up length was 12 months. Results: Two patients, with average age of 53.2 years old, underwent to piezosurgery device vs high speed bur for DCR. After one year from surgery, resolution of symptoms was observed. Surgical outcomes showed for both patients, complete resolution of the disease. Conclusions: The authors’ results, in accordance with the literature data, indicate that piezosurgery dacryocystorhinostomy is a promising surgical technique, both in terms of results and postoperative patient’s quality life.