Evaluation of the Nasolacrimal Canal by Computed Tomography in Patients with Septal Deviation

Objectives: In this study, the nasolacrimal canal was examined proximal and distally in patients with septum deviation to investigate the relationship between septum deviation and nasolacrimal canal (NLC) diameter and to reveal its relationship with maxillary sinus (MS) diameter. Methods Preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT) images of 50 male and 50 female adult patients who underwent septoplasty were examined, and the deviated side (ipsilateral) and opposite side (contralateral) NLC diameters were measured at the proximal and distal parts. Moreover, bilateral MS height, anteroposterior and horizontal diameters were also measured. Results There were no significant differences between the NLC diameter of the ipsilateral and contralateral sides, either proximally or distally (p > 0.05). As a result of the measurements, it was observed that the NLC was wider in the proximal part than in the distal part without being affected by the deviation side (p < 0.05). Likewise, it was observed that the NLC was wider in males than females without being affected by the deviation side (p  0.05). Conclusion As a conclusion; the NLC is wider in men than in women; and wider proximally than distally. It may explain the fact that Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Canal Obstruction (PANCO) is more common in women and that obstruction is frequently seen in the distal part of the canal. Whether septum deviation is one of the etiological factors causing PANCO is still a controversial issue in the medical world.