Radiological evaluation of lacrimal apparatus injury after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of nasolacrimal duct injury after functional endoscopic sinus surgery radiologically, using computed tomography. METHODS: Fifty patients of either sex who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were evaluated for nasolacrimal duct injury by computed tomography. Computed tomography was conducted pre-operatively, and post-operatively at the end of four weeks, and nasolacrimal duct injury was analysed. RESULTS: The prevalence of nasolacrimal duct injury dehiscence was 1.16 per cent, with a similar incidence of 1.16 per cent for nasolacrimal duct injury post-operatively. However, no cases of symptomatic nasolacrimal duct injury were recorded. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography scan is an effective, non-invasive method to evaluate nasolacrimal duct injury following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in accordance with evidence-based medicine.