A multidisciplinary approach to atypical lacrimal obstruction in childhood.

PURPOSE: This study explores the diagnosis and management of unusual anomalies involving the canaliculi, nasolacrimal duct, nasal cavity, and sinuses in childhood.

METHODS

A case series of eight children with lacrimal outflow anomalies ranging from distal nasolacrimal duct cyst formation to persistent dacryocystitis following failed probing or silicone intubation were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic studies including intranasal endoscopy and preoperative or intraoperative dacryocystography (DCG) were of value.

RESULTS

Treatment modalities included endoscopically guided resection of lacrimal cyst mucosa, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), and monocanalicular or bicanalicular intubation of the lacrimal outflow system. In our series, endoscopic surgery was well tolerated by all patients with improvement in symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This initial experience suggests that endoscopic techniques may be useful in the management of atypical lacrimal outflow obstruction in childhood.