Dacryocystorhinostomy: Clinical Practice Patterns among Ophthalmologists

Abstract

Aim: To determine practice patterns of ophthalmologists regarding indications and operative dacryocystorhinostomy steps.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study (online survey).

Duration and Settings of the Study: October 20, 2024 to October 27, 2024, as an online survey.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out by office bearers of the Pakistan Oculoplastic Association (POA). A survey questionnaire was created at Google Forms, and the link was sent to Pakistani ophthalmologists via WhatsApp groups. It contained demographic data of the surgeons performing DCR surgery and their practice/opinion regarding different operation steps.

Results: A total of 53 participants responded, with the number of responses for individual questions ranging from 48 to 53. The age distribution was <30 years (7.5%), 30-50 years (54.7%), and >50 years (37.7%). The sex distribution comprised 71.7% male and 28.3% female. Regional distribution showed that 50.9% of participants were from Punjab, 30.2% from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and 17.0% from Sindh. Surgical experience in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) ranged as follows: <10 years (26.9%), 11 to 20 years (48.1%), and >21 years (25.0%). The number of external DCR procedures performed varied: Among the participants, 37.7% performed less than 100 cases; 13.2% performed 101 to 200 cases; and 49.1% performed more than 200 cases.

Conclusion: There are multiple variations in the external DCR operation steps. Surgeons should be aware of all the possible options to select the best ones.