Biopsy of recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction using sheath-guided dacryoendoscopy

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this article is to present a novel technique, as well the histopathological findings, of dacryoendoscopic guided nasolacrimal duct (NLD) biopsy for recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).Methods: This study involved subjects with recurrent NLDO. Direct endoscopic probing or sheath-guided endoscopic probing was used for the initial intubation in all treated eyes, and the stent had been removed at between 2 and 11 months (mean 3.5 months) post-intubation with dacryoendoscopic confirmation of patency and mucosal regeneration. Biopsy specimens were obtained by scraping the recurrent lesion by sheath advancement. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed.Results: In five patients (two males and three females, mean age: 71.2 ± 5.6 years [range: 61–78 years]) with recurrent NLDO, biopsy specimens were obtained from six ducts of six eyes, and stratified epithelium and a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates were identified. IHC staini...