Evaluating Surgical Success in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Comprehensive Analysis of Demographic Influences and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in pediatric patients, focusing on the impact of demographic characteristics and the age at surgery on success rates.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed a cohort of pediatric patients diagnosed as having CNLDO and undergoing surgical intervention at a tertiary care center between 2011 and 2022. Data on patient demographics, age at diagnosis, age at surgery, surgical technique used, perioperative findings, postoperative complications, and follow-up results were collected from medical records. Success was defined as the resolution of symptoms without the need for further surgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 588 patients were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 7 months, whereas the median age at surgery was 23 months. Surgical success was achieved in 92.2% of cases. A significant correlation was observed between the age at surgery and the success rate. Those surgeries performed earlier demonstrated a higher success rate compared to those performed later. The presence of systemic disease, Rosenmüller's valve stenosis, postoperative dacryocystitis, and tube dislocation was significantly higher in the restenosis group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early surgical intervention for CNLDO yields higher success rates, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis and management. This study highlights the efficacy of surgical treatment for CNLDO in pediatric patients, with minimal risk of complications. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and the development of standardized guidelines for the management of CNLDO to further improve patient care.