[The Interdisciplinary Conference on Lacrimal System Disorders of ophthalmic and ENT surgeons at the University Hospital Halle : An analysis of present patient material]

Background and aim: The lacrimal system (LS) crosses regions of ocular adnexa, the nose, and the paranasal sinuses. Surgery of disorders requires a targeted ophthalmologic and otolaryngologic examination. Since 2013, an Interdisciplinary Conference on Lacrimal System Disorders (ICLSD) has existed at the University Hospital Halle. First results of our experiences with this cooperation between ophthalmic and ENT surgeons are presented.

Methods: In a retrospective study at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle, all patients aged 22-80 years (n = 43, 10 with bilateral manifestation; mean age 65.1 years) having had a consultation in ICLSD between February 2013 and May 2015 were analyzed. Thereby, 53 LS were included in the descriptive evaluation.

Results: The main relevant pathology in terms of ophthalmologic manifestation was chronic dacryocystitis and its complications (n = 42), whereas nasal septum deviation (n = 11) and chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 10) were the most frequent otorhinolaryngologic pathologies. Prior to consultation, ENT (n = 34) and/or ophthalmic surgery (n = 40) had been performed. During ICLSD, an individualized therapeutic regime for each patient was developed. Surgery was required in 43 out of 53 LS. Of these, 32 were mainly ophthalmic, 11 mainly ENT interventions. At the time of evaluation (median 3 months; range 1 to 24 months), 29 out of 38 patients (76.3 %) were free of complaints.

Conclusion: Since 2013, competences of ophthalmic and ENT surgeons have been integrated in ICLSD for advanced diagnosis and therapy of lacrimal disorders at the University Hospital Halle. Encouraging functional results are shown in this study, as most patients have had a long and complicated history of lacrimal system disorders. ICLSD enables interdisciplinary patient care.