The application of "" type nasal mucosa flaps during the surgical treatment of traumatic dacryocystitis

Objective To modify the nasal mucosa flap during dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of traumatic dacryocystitis and observe its therapeutic effect. Methods Twenty six patients (27 eyes) of traumatic dacryocystitis were performed dacryocystorhinostomy. During the operation, the anterior and posterior nasal mucosa flaps of "" type was sutured to that of lacrimal sac mucosa flaps of "H" type. During 6 months, the state of mucosa flaps, tear washing, and tearing symptom was followed up. Patients with median canthoal tendon interruption received tendon repairing simultaneously. Patients with obvious orbital fracture received orbital reconstruction 3 to 4 months later. Results Among 26 patients with traumatic dacryocystitis, 20 male, 6 female, aged 5 to 63. During the operation of all patients, the distance between the nasal mucosa and the lacrimal sac became widen. All had nasal bone, lacrimal bone fracture at different degree; 18 patients with median canthoal tendon interruption, and 14 patients with obvious orbital fracture. Tear washing was smooth in all cases at 2 weeks follow up. At 6 months follow up, tear washing was smooth in 26 cases (one child still had tearing symptom), obstruction in 1 case. Conclusions The nasal mucosa flap of "" type is 1 time longer and narrower than that of "H" type, and offer a new way for patients with traumatic dacryocystitis, whom the distance between the nasal mucosa and the lacrimal sac became widen. Key words: Dacryocysto rhinostomy; Chronic dacrycystitis; Trauma