Evaluation of treatment modalities and prognostic factors in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rates of probing and silicone intubation and risk factors for failure of these procedures.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who were diagnosed with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) and underwent probing or intubation as the primary procedure. Demographic data, clinical features, intraoperative, and postoperative data were evaluated. The patients were divided into four subgroups based on age: 12-24 months, 25-36 months, 37-48 months, and >48 months. The procedure was considered successful when all preoperative signs disappeared with normal dye disappearance test and a positive Jones primary dye test. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for failure, and P < 0.05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 350 subjects (162 males [46%]) who underwent a total of 454 nasolacrimal duct surgeries. The mean chronological age at time of surgery was 32.6 ± 22.1 months (range, 12-132 months). The overall success rate was 84.8%. Probing was performed 188 times, with a success rate of 80.3%; intubation was performed 266 times, with a success rate of 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

Intubation was more successful than probing in patients with bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, Down syndrome, history of acute dacryocystitis, lack of preoperative massage, or intraoperative observation of either a "tight" obstruction or obstruction at sites other than at the level of Hasner's valve. Primary nasolacrimal duct intubation should be considered in these higher risk patients.