DCR preferences among oculoplastic surgeons: Barriers and facilitators to adoption of endoscopic DCR

Objective To determine the preference for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), patient selection criteria for endoscopic DCR, endoscopic DCR technique, and barriers to adoption of endoscopic DCR. Method Cross-sectional study conducted from May-December 2021. A survey was sent to oculoplastic surgeons. Questions on demographic characteristics, type of clinical practice, technique preferences, barriers and facilitators to adoption of endoscopic DCR were included. Results 245 participants completed the survey. Most respondents were located at an urban site (84%), were in private practice (66%), and had been in practice for more than 10 years (58.9%). Sixty one percent perform external DCR as the first line procedure for treating primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The most common factor influencing the surgeon's decision to perform endoscopic DCR was the patient's request (37%) followed by endonasal exam (32%). The most common barrier for not performing endoscopic DCR was the lack of experience and lack of training during fellowship (42%). The most worrisome complication for most respondents was failure of the procedure (48%), followed by bleeding (30.3%). Eighty one percent believe surgical mentorship and supervision during initial cases would facilitate endoscopic DCR learning. Conclusions External Dacryocystorhinostomy is the preferred technique for treating primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Learning endoscopic DCR early during fellowship training and high surgical volume to improve the learning curve dramatically impacts the adoption of the procedure.

Automated summary

This study examined the preferences, patient selection criteria, technique, and barriers to adoption of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) among oculoplastic surgeons. The majority of respondents preferred external DCR for treating primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Lack of experience and training were identified as the most common barriers to performing endoscopic DCR. Surgical mentorship and supervision during initial cases were believed to facilitate learning of the technique.