The Treatment Of Acute Dacryocystitis Using Crawford Tube

Objective:To determine whether acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation can be successfully treated using Crawford tube.Methods:A protocol was adopted for the management of acute dacryocystitis presenting to an ophthalmology department. All patients were assessed jointly by an ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist for their suitability for primary internal drainage. All suitable patients during the study period January2011to January2013were managed by general antibiotics and Crawford tube. Postoperatively, the patients accept0.5%Levofloxacin eye drops four times per day and oral Levofloxacin tablets0.5g once per day for four days. Follow-up times were more than three months after pulling out the Crawford tube. The condition of lacrimal sac and patient’s symptoms were carefully evaluated.Results:Eleven patients were studied (mean age53.6±9.8years(range41-68years), two men, nine women). A history of nasolacrimal occlusion with epiphora was found in eight patients, and recurrent nasolacrimal infections were found in seven patients. Resolution of symptoms and signs of acute dacryocystitis occurred in all eleven patients. No recurrence of acute dacryocystitis occurred during the median follow up period of16.9±6.8months (range6-30months). Epiphora recurred in3patients.Conclusion:The insertion of the Crawford tube is an effective primarytreatment in cases of acute dacryocystitis complicated by abscess formation. In addition, pre-existing symptoms of epiphora and recurrent nasolacrimal infections are relieved in the majority of patients...