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Probing yields high success rate in young children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
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Primary probing in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction who were 2 to 3 years of age showed a higher success rate than older age groups, according to a study.
The prospective study included 343 patients: 217 in the 2- to 3-year-old group, 98 in the 3- to 4-year-old group and 28 in the 4- to 5-year-old group. Patients were placed under general anesthesia and underwent probing of the nasolacrimal system and irrigation.
Total success rate in all patients was 75%. The success rate was 85% in patients 2 to 3 years old, 63% in patients 3 to 4 years old and 50% in patients 4 to 5 years old.
Two hundred thirty-one patients had chronic dacryocystitis with mucopurulent discharge, and 88 patients had epiphora without mucopurulent discharge. Eighty-three percent of patients with chronic dacryocystitis with mucopurulent discharge had successful probing, while 59% of patients with epiphora without mucopurulent discharge had successful probing.
“When older than 5 years, further procedures such as intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy would be needed because of the high failure rate of probing,” the study authors said.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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