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Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the functional benefit and cosmetic appearance after lateral canthal surgery in the management of epiphora. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case series of 75 eyelids in 52 patients who underwent lateral canthal tightening procedures for epiphora in the Kent & Sussex Hospital (UK) between January 1997 and February 1999. All surgery was performed on a Day Case basis. Patients had between one and three follow-up appointments and all patients were surveyed by telephone in August 1999. The minimum follow-up was six months. RESULTS All patients demonstrated a successful anatomical result at the time of discharge. Epiphora was cured or greatly reduced in 84% of eyes. Satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance was expressed in 86% of eyes. Transient postoperative tenderness over the lateral orbital rim was the most common complication (63%), in some cases lasting up to eight weeks. CONCLUSIONS Lateral canthal surgery is an effective tool in the management of epiphora, giving good functional and aesthetic results.