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Karger Publishers, Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 5(83), p. 381-386, 2021

DOI: 10.1159/000513529

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Applying the Exoscope to Lacrimal Surgery: Preliminary Experience

This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the exoscope as an assisting tool in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (e-DCR). <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> In this observational retrospective study, the application of the VITOM<sup>®</sup> exoscope was studied in a group of 21 patients undergoing mono- or bilateral DCR. The primary endpoint was to evaluate resolution of symptoms (epiphora/dacryocystitis) at the 6-month follow-up and time for surgery. Qualitative features of the exoscope (intraoperative view of the surgical field) and comparison with the typical setting for DCR were analyzed as secondary endpoints. A questionnaire was administered to surgical team members (ENT surgeon, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse) to evaluate the perceived quality of this new technology (12 items valued as “good” = 2, “acceptable” = 1, and “not acceptable” = 0). A questionnaire score of 24 out of 24 was valued as “completely approved,” score 20–23 as “moderately approved,” and score ≤19 as “weakly approved.” Patients were divided into 3 consecutive groups, and questionnaire scores by each team member were analyzed for tendencies. Statistical analysis was performed to test significance at <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05. Local Ethical Committee approval was obtained. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No significant differences were found between exoscope-set DCR and classic setting for concerned patient outcomes (failure rate: 3.2 vs. 3.8%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.896) and mean time for surgery (20’ vs. 23’, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.091). The exoscope was valued by surgical team members as “completely approved” in 55.5% of cases, “moderately approved” in 39.7%, and “weakly approved” in 4.8%. Questionnaire scores by the ENT, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse showed an average increase in the 3 consecutive groups (<i>p</i> = 0.119, <i>p</i> = 0.024, and <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001, respectively). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The exoscope is a new tool that may support e-DCR. It has no effects on symptom outcomes (epiphora/dacryocystitis) and time for surgery compared to classic DCR. Based on self-perception, this new technology was accepted by all team members.