Clinical study of efficacy of probing as a treatment for epiphora in adults

Abstract

Background/Context: Probing is a simple operative procedure, can be performed easily in adults under local anesthesia, and is associated with minimal postoperative morbidity. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of probing in adults with epiphora due to common canalicular block (CCB) and nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Materials and Methods: A prospective, interventional study was conducted on 44 patients with epiphora. Probing was done through upper and lower canaliculus under local anesthesia in all patients with epiphora due to CCB and NLDO. Probing was considered successful if the epiphora had been resolved or reduced to an acceptable level and if the lacrimal system was patent on lacrimal syringing for 6 months. Results: Patients comprised 36 women and eight men with the age group between 25 and 80 years who had epiphora for 3–24 months. Twenty-six patients had common CCB and 18 had complete NLDO. Complete patency was achieved in 12 and 5 and partial patency in 9 and 6 patients with CCB and NLDO, respectively. Treatment was successful in 72.72% of the patients. Ten patients underwent uneventful cataract surgery and 12 failed cases needed dacryocystectomy. Conclusion: Since probing is a simple, quick, cost-effective, and daycare procedure with low morbidity and obviates the need for further nasolacrimal surgery, probing can be recommended as an initial treatment in adults with epiphora.