This study reports outcomes and demographic characteristics of children who underwent probing with or without intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) to investigate factors associated with surgical success. This was a retrospective single-centre review of 588 patients; 306 female and 282 male. Onset of symptoms was at a median age of 1 month with diagnosis at a median 7 months. Median age at operation was 23 months. 12 patients had systemic disease, e.g. asthma, down syndrome. Median follow-up was 6 months. Surgical success was achieved in 542 cases and restenosis in 46. The surgical success was 96.1% at aged 10–18 months, 92.4% at 18–24 months, 91.3% at 24–30 months, 90.5% aged 30–36 months, 91.7% aged 36–42 months, 84% aged 42–48 months and 89.1% aged >48 months. Age at diagnosis, age at surgery, age at onset and associated systemic disease were significantly higher in restenosis cases. There was no significant association for sex and laterality. Probing only was conducted in 239 cases; 349 had probing and intubation. There was no significant association with success rates. Patients with restenosis had significantly higher rates of postoperative infection and early tube dislocation. The authors conclude that clinicians should consider age at surgery, preoperative conditions and potential postoperative complications when planning treatment for CNLDO.
Factors associated with surgical success for nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Evaluating surgical success in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a comprehensive analysis of demographic influences and outcomes.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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