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The International Journal on Orbital Disorders, Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Surgery
Volume 39, 2020 - Issue 2
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Surgical Technique

Swinging inferior turbinate approach to the nasolacrimal duct

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Pages 112-117 | Received 04 Feb 2019, Accepted 10 Mar 2019, Published online: 25 Apr 2019
 

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report a case of a lacrimal sac tumour identified at the time of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and describe a swinging inferior turbinate approach to the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) to facilitate an en-bloc excision of the lacrimal drainage apparatus.

Methods: An 88-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of epiphora and mucocele. Endonasal DCR was performed for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Intraoperatively, a biopsy was performed of abnormal appearing lacrimal sac mucosa, following opening of the lacrimal sac. Subsequent definitive management was performed via a combined external and endoscopic approach using a swinging inferior turbinate approach to the NLD to facilitate an en-bloc excision of the lacrimal drainage apparatus, without removal of the bony medial wall of the maxillary sinus.

Results: The excised lacrimal drainage showed insitu and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the canaliculi and lacrimal sac with focal divergent neuroendocrine and sebaceous differentiation. There was no local tumour recurrence or metastatic spread at 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusions: We describe a swinging inferior turbinate approach to the NLD to facilitate an en-bloc excision of the lacrimal drainage apparatus, without entering the maxillary sinus. We believe this modified technique is a useful option to consider in the management of tumours of the lacrimal drainage apparatus.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

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