Outcomes of Different Timings of Silicone Tube Removal in External Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Comparative Study

Background: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure of choice to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction by creating an ostium for bypassing tears into the nasal cavity. External DCR is the most common surgery and the preferred method of ophthalmologists. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of different time removal of DCR tube in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the department of Ophthalmology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from August 2018 to January 2019. All the patients with clinical evidence of chronic dacryocystitis attended outpatient department of Ophthalmology during the study period. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A compromisd of chronic dacryocystitis patients undergoing DCR with late removal of tube in 3rd month. Group B compromised of chronic dacryocystitis patients undergoing DCR with early removal of tube in 2nd months. Data were collected with the pre-tested data collection sheet. Collected data were checked, edited and then processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: It was observed that 86% was success rate in group A patients and 88% was success rate in group B patients. Complete resolution occurred in 64% and 70% patients in Group A and in Group B respectively. No resolution occurred in 10% and 8% patients respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is no statistically significant difference in timings of the tube removal (2nd and 3rd month) in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). J Enam Med Col 2023; 13(3): 105-109