Outcomes in paediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy: a single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ext DCR) in paediatric patients.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series was performed on all paediatric patients who underwent Ext DCR between July 2010 and July 2014. Surgery was performed as per standard Ext DCR protocols with only anterior flap suturing. Data collected include demographics, clinical presentations, primary diagnosis, associated systemic anomalies, past interventions, indications for the surgery, use of adjuvants, intraoperative and post-operative complications, aetiology of DCR failure, anatomical and functional successes.

RESULTS

135 eyes of 114 children underwent Ext DCR during the study period. Mean age was 9.68 ± 4.36 years and epiphora was the most common presentation (92.5%, 125/135). Persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction refractory to earlier interventions of probing or intubation was the most common indication for the surgery noted in 57% (77/135). Adjuvants like mitomycin C and intubation were used in 70% (95/135) and 72% (98/135) of the surgeries, respectively. At a 6-month follow-up, anatomical and functional successes were noted in 91.1% (124/135) and 90.3% (123/135), respectively. 12 eyes showed anatomical failure and one eye showed functional failure. The most common cause of DCR failure was a complete cicatricial closure of the ostium (83.4%, 10/12).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that Ext DCR is a safe surgery for paediatric populations with a high success rates of beyond 90%.