Evaluating the outcomes of children undergoing lacrimal surgery for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with the aim of developing a patient pathway for children presenting to a tertiary paedatric service with epiphora.

Abstract

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the most common cause of epiphora in children. Management has classically focused on probing and syringing followed by stent insertion and dacryocystorhinostomy either externally or endonasally. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of these procedures. This was a retrospective analysis of the outcomes of all patients under the age of 16 who have undergone a surgical lacrimal intervention for nasolacrimal duct obstruction under general anaesthetic over a 10-year period. Outcomes included success rates and complications. A total of 432 patients were identified. Primary probe and syringing had a success rate of 83 per cent. Primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy had a success rate of 71 per cent, and revision surgery had a success rate of 82 per cent. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of epiphora, and this study has provided a suggested protocol for management of patients presenting with epiphora.