Persistent Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Research Articles

Congential nasolacrimal duct obstruction: investigating the role of systemic inflammation through novel biomakers.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common lacrimal system anomaly in newborns and infants. We aimed to evaluate the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of persistent CNLDO and its potential use in diagnosis and follow up, focusing on novel inflammatory biomarkers: Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Red cell distribution width (RDW), and Mean platelet volume (MPV). A retrospective case-control study involving 76 CNLDO patients and 47 age-matched healthy controls was conducted. Complete blood count parameters were analyzed to calculate SII, NLR, PLR, RDW, and MPV. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the diagnostic efficacy of these markers. SII, RDW, and neutrophil count were significantly elevated in the CNLDO group (p < 0.05). An elevated SII (cutoff > 200.9) demonstrated a sensitivity of 63.2% and a specificity of 63.8%. ROC analysis (AUC = 61.7%, p = 0.029) indicated that SII is a more significant marker for diagnosing CNLDO compared to NLR and PLR. Elevated SII, indicative of systemic inflammation may serve as a significant biomarker in the diagnosis of CNLDO that does not resolve spontaneously and requires probing. SII > 200.9 acts as a threshold that aids in the diagnosis of persistent CNLDO. Being a valuable biomarker, SII can be used in monitoring patients with CNLDO and in identifying those who will require advanced treatment like probing. Prospective studies are essential to validate these findings.

Balloon dacryoplasty: A boon for dacryologists in managing persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions.

To study the outcomes of balloon dacryoplasty (BD) or (BDCP) in children with persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (pCNLDO) by using new and reused balloon catheters. Our retrospective analysis focused on managing pCNLDO by using the BD or BDCP technique. The study included children aged >1 year to <12 years who underwent single or multiple probings before. Our specific lacrimal workup included a detailed history and examination, as published earlier. We used conventional, straight, 2 mm × 13 mm/3 mm × 15 mm lacrimal balloons (FCI, Ophthacath). We have described a technique to use the same catheter for three BD procedures (1 new + 2 reuse). The outcomes were categorized as complete success, partial success, and failure. The minimum follow-up of each child was 6 months. We analyzed 64 children (89 eyes) with a mean age of 58 months (15-132 months). All children (100%) had epiphora with discharge and positive FDDT. All children underwent BD under general anesthesia - new balloons in 59 eyes and reused balloons in 30 eyes. The balloons were plasma sterilized akin to vitrectomy cutters and tubings of phaco machines. We noted three leaks from reused balloons (2 from the balloon tip and 1 from the plastic hub). At a mean follow-up of 14.5 months, complete success was noted in 77 eyes (86.5%) (52 new and 25 reuse), while 8 eyes had partial success (8.9%) (4 new and 4 reuse). Failure of BD was noted in four eyes (4.5%) (3 new and 1 reuse). None had significant complications with new or reused balloons. BD or BDCP is a quick, safe, easy, and effective procedure that resolves pCNLDO symptoms satisfactorily. Carefully reusing a conventional balloon catheter is possible with comparable efficacy and no additional complications in pCNLDO.

Tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops as a better choice for lacrimal duct probing in persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: A consort study.

Background:Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is common and. lacrimal duct probing is the major treatment. But persistent CNLDO in older children makes the success rate rapidly decreased due to long-term chronic inflammation. To improve the success rate, probing combined with tobramycin/dexamethasone ointment is considered effective. But in practice, we found a lot of problems in using the ointment. So we tried tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops as a replacement. The results is surprising, so we hope to do some further research in order to prove it is worth to clinical application.Objective:To evaluate the effect of lacrimal duct probing combined with tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops or ointment on persistent CNLDO in children older than 1-year-old.Methods:This randomized controlled study included 409 subjects (496 eyes) older than 1-year-old with persistent CNLDO in southwest China, and classified into 3 groups: 96 cases (123 eyes) were the tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops group (drops group), 88 cases (104 eyes) were the tobramycin/dexamethasone ointment group (ointment group), and 225 cases (269 eyes) were control group which probing with normal saline (NS group). The data of age, sex, and laterality were analyzed through pairwise comparison. Then the 3 groups were divided into 2 subgroups by age, 12 to 24 months and 25 to 36 months. The surgical findings and success rate in two subgroups were compared.Results:The success rates in the tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops group in both 2 age subgroups were significantly higher than that in the ointment group and NS group (P < .05).Conclusions:Probing combined with tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops was effective and easy-to-perform in the clinic, and it may be a better choice for persistent CNLDO.

Nasal endoscopic features and outcomes of nasal endoscopy guided bicanalicular intubation for complex persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions

Purpose:To study the clinical presentation, nasal endoscopic features, and outcomes of nasal endoscopy guided (NEG) bicanalicular intubation (BCI) in children with complex persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (pCNLDO).Methods:A prospective, interventional study including eligible children (age ≤ 12 years) having complex pCNLDO. The demographics, number of previous probings, nasal endoscopy findings, and outcomes; were noted in all children who underwent NEG-BCI with Crawford's stents. Matting of eyelashes (MoE, upper, and lower eyelid), tear-film height (TFH), and fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) was assessed pre and postoperatively. The minimum stent in-situ period was 12 weeks, and the minimum follow-up was 6 months (after stent removal).Results:Total 32 children (36 eyes) including 18 females (56.25%) were studied. At a mean age of 4.9 years, all children had epiphora and discharge with MoE (both upper and lower), raised TFH and positive FDDT. Previously, all children underwent conventional probing (s)- once in 12 (33.3%), twice in 18 (50%) and thrice in 6 (16.7%) eyes. The general ophthalmologists performed the majority (n = 21, 58.33%) of those. The BCI was performed under GA in all eyes, and at a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, the “complete” success was noted in 29 eyes (80.5%), ‘partial’ success in 4 (11.1%) and failure in 3 (8.3%). The stent prolapse was seen in three.Conclusion:NEG-BCI may provide a satisfactory resolution to complex pCNLDO after single or multiple failed probings. NEG provides confident and efficient management of coexistent intranasal complexities related to the inferior turbinate and meatus.

Outcomes in paediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy: a single-centre experience

ABSTRACTPurpose: 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%.

Outcomes in pediatric powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a single-center experience

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of the article is to report the outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (PEnDCR) in pediatric patients.Methods: A single-center, single surgeon, retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series was performed on all pediatric patients who underwent PEnDCR between July 2014 and July 2017. Patients with associated congenital anomalies like single punctum agenesis or lacrimal fistula were excluded. Surgery was performed as per standard protocols published earlier. Data collected include demographics, clinical presentations, past interventions, indications for the surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative ostium characteristics, and anatomical and functional success.Results: Ninety-one eyes of 83 children underwent PEnDCR during the study period. Mean age was 8.32 years and epiphora was the most common presentation (81%, 74/91). The most common indication for PEnDCR was persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction refractory to earlier interventions of probing or intubation. Postoperative ostium assessment at 4 weeks showed a well-healed ostium with a dynamic internal common opening in 86.8% of the eyes. Edge granulomas of the ostium were the most common abnormal finding in the postoperative period (9.8%, 9/91) and all except one could be managed conservatively. At 6 months follow-up, five eyes showed anatomical failure and additional two eyes showeXd functional failure. Two of anatomical failure group and one of functional failure underwent a second intervention. The final anatomical and functional success were noted in 96.7% (88/91) and 95.6% (87/91), respectively.Conclusions: This study shows that PEnDCR is a safe surgery for pediatric populations with a high success rate of beyond 95%.

Primary nonendoscopic endonasal versus external dacryocystorhinostomy in nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children

Purpose:The aim is to compare the outcome of nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (NEN DCR) with external DCR (EXT-DCR) in the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children.Methods:A retrospective, comparative chart analysis of all consecutive children <16 years after EXT-DCR or NEN-DCR between June 2012 and February 2016.Results:Seventy-one children (79 eyes) underwent DCR in the study, of which 37 children (40 eyes) underwent EXT-DCR and 34 (39 eyes) NEN-DCR. Mean age of both groups (8.7 vs. 7.7 years) was comparable. Etiologically, persistent congenital NLDO was the most common indication (50% vs. 72%), followed by acquired and secondary NLDO. Mean duration was shorter for NEN-DCR (47 vs. 37 min; P = 0.0021). Mitomycin C 0.04% was used more often in NEN-DCR (10% vs. 56.41%). Success after primary EXT-DCR was 100% as compared to 75% for primary NEN-DCR at median follow-up of 12 and 16 months respectively. At revision, the main cause of failure was granuloma (60%). After revision, all eyes were symptom-free at a median follow-up of 9.5 months.Conclusion:Primary NEN-DCR has a poorer outcome than EXT-DCR in the treatment of NLDO in children and is more likely to need a revision procedure.

Outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: Experience of a fellowship trainee at a tertiary care center.

Aim:The study aims to report a single trainee's experience of learning and performing endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR).Settings and Design:This study was a retrospective, interventional case series.Subjects and Methods:Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center over 1 year were included in the study. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with mitomycin-C and silicone intubation. The parameters studied included demographics, clinical features, intraoperative details, and postoperative ostium evaluation. Stent removal and nasal endoscopy were performed at 6 weeks and a further ostium evaluation at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Anatomical success rate was defined as patent irrigation, and functional success rate was defined as positive functional endoscopic dye test and absence of epiphora.Results:Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients were operated, and three cases were lost to follow-up after surgery. The mean age at presentation was 34 (4–75) years. Clinical diagnosis included primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction in 72% (39/54), acute dacryocystitis in 15% (8/54), failed DCR in 7% (4/54), and persistent congenital NLD obstruction in 5% (3/54). The first five cases needed intervention by the mentor for superior osteotomy. Common variations in anatomical landmarks were posterior location of sac, large ethmoidal bulla, high internal common opening, and thick maxillary bone. Surgical time taken in the last 27 eyes was significantly lesser compared to the surgical duration taken in the initial 27 cases (P < 0.05). Anatomical and functional success rate was 94% (48/51) at 6 months follow-up period.Conclusions:Endoscopic En-DCR has a good success rate when performed by oculoplastic surgery trainees. Nasal anatomical variations, instrument handling, and adaptation to monocular view of endoscope are few of the challenges for beginners. Structured skill transfer can help trainees to learn and perform En-DCR with acceptable success rates.

Nasolacrimal duct intubation in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of nasolacrimal duct intubation in the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children aged 7 years and older.MethodsThirty children aged ≥7 years who underwent primary unilateral nasolacrimal duct intubation because of CNLDO were enrolled in this study. CNLDO diagnosis was based on signs and symptoms including typical epiphora, increased tear meniscus, recurrent or persistent mucopurulent discharge, and an abnormal dye disappearance test (DDT). Surgical success was defined as complete resolution of previous signs and symptoms and DDT grade 0-1.ResultsThe mean age was 10.7±2.5 years (ranging from 7 to 15 years). Of the 30 patients, 18 were male and 12 were female. The mean follow-up period was 8.8±3.4 months (ranging from 6 to 16 months). The mean silicone tube removal time was 4.6±1.1 months (ranging from 3 to 6 months). The complete resolution of signs and symptoms with DDT grade 0-1 was observed in 22 of 30 cases (73.3%) during the follow-up period. The mean age of the patients with unsuccessful outcomes was 12.7±1.4 years, whereas that of the patients with successful outcomes was 10.0±2.4 years, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.006). No serious intra- and/or post-operative complication was observed.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates that nasolacrimal duct silicone intubation with intranasal endoscopic visualization has favorable outcomes as a primary treatment of persistent CNLDO in children aged 7 years and older. It can be used to reduce the need for dacryocystorhinostomy which is a more invasive procedure.

Retrieval of a Monoka silicone tube from the pharynx during silicone intubation procedure for persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction assisted by the anesthesiologist

Persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction is often treated with silicone intubation. At times hooking the silicone tube from under the inferior conchae can be difficult, time consuming and traumatic. Occasionally silicone tubes can be found in and rescued from the pharynx. We describe herein our method of tube retrieval from the pharynx.

Long-term outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in acute dacryocystitis.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is rapidly gaining recognition as a primary modality of management in acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal abscess. The purpose of the present study is to report long-term outcomes of powered endoscopic DCR in cases of acute dacryocystitis. Prospective interventional case series. Twenty-one powered endoscopic DCRs were performed in 21 patients presenting with acute dacryocystitis. All cases were operated by a single surgeon (m.j.a.) using earlier published techniques. All lacrimal systems were intubated for 6 weeks. A minimum follow-up of 1 year after stent removal was considered for final analysis. Main outcome measures were the anatomical and functional success of the surgical procedure. The mean age of patients at presentation was 31.8 years. A total of 14.3% (3/21) were pediatric patients with known history of persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), and 9.5% (2/21) had a history of external DCR in the past. All patients received postoperative antibiotics. Additional procedures included distal canalicular trephination, septoplasty, and middle turbinoplasty in one patient each. All cases showed resolution of pain and swelling at 1 week follow-up. At the mean follow-up of 15.4 months, anatomical success was achieved in 85.7% of the patients (18/21), and functional success was achieved in 80.9% (17/21). Powered endoscopic DCR is a useful modality in the management acute dacryocystitis, with good outcomes that are maintained over a long duration of time. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:551-553, 2016.

The prevalence of amblyogenic factors in children with persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

To evaluate the prevalence of amblyopia risk factors in children that underwent probing for persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). The medical records of children with CNLDO (after 1 year of age) that underwent probing were reviewed. Amblyopia risk factors, based on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus referral criteria in 2013, were sought in the patientsʹ records before probing. The proportion of the patients with anisometropia >1.5 diopters (D) was separately calculated. In unilateral cases of CNLDO, sphere, astigmatism, and spherical equivalent of the eyes with CNLDO were compared with contralateral eyes in order to assess the effect of CNLDO on refractive error. In the follow-up examinations, the success of the probing or the need for additional procedures (Crawford intubation, Monoka intubation, or dacryocystorhinostomy) was evaluated. The prevalence of anisometropia between 'successful probing' and 'failed probing' groups was compared. A total of 433 cases were included in the study. 41 cases (9.46 %) had amblyopia risk factors. Twenty-four cases (5.5 %) had anisometropia >1.5 D (spherical or cylindrical). In unilateral cases of CNLDO, the sphere and spherical equivalent of the eyes with CNLDO were significantly greater than those of the contralateral eyes (p < 0.001 for both). Thirty-nine patients (9 %) required other interventions due to failure of probing (failed probing group). There were significantly more anisometropia prevalence in this group, compared with the successful probing group, at the initial examination (p = 0.03). The findings of greater prevalence of anisometropia >1.5 D (compared with the prevalence in the general population) and significantly greater sphere and spherical equivalents in the eye with CNLDO (compared with contralateral eye) in unilateral cases with CNLDO, suggested some relationships between anisometropia and long-term untreated CNLDO. The finding of more anisometropia in failed probing cases may support the theory of structural abnormality as an explanation for the possible relationship between congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and anisometropia.

Circumostial Injection of Mitomycin C (COS-MMC) in External and Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique of circumostial mitomycin C (COS-MMC) injection in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the outcomes. A prospective, interventional consecutive case series involving 110 DCR surgeries performed over a period of 1 year using the COS-MMC technique were evaluated. All patients were operated by a single surgeon (M.J.A.). After fashioning of the mucosal flaps, all patients underwent an intramucosal injection of 0.02% MMC at 4 points (0.1 ml at each point) along the edges of the freshly created ostium. All patients were intubated, and stent removal was done at 12 weeks following the surgery. All patients underwent regular monitoring of the ostium to look for any complications. A minimum follow up of 6 months after stent removal was considered for final analysis. The outcome measures analyzed were anatomical and functional success, complications, and ostium. The mean age at presentation was 39.91 years. The diagnosis was primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 60.9% (67/110) and persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 9.1% (10/110) of the patients. Twenty-six patients were known cases of failed DCR and underwent a revision DCR. Of the total patients, 19.1% (21/110) had a history of acute dacryocystitis, of which, 73% (80/110) of the surgeries were performed by an external approach and 27% (30/110) by endoscopic endonasal route. Anatomical success was noted in 97.3% (107/110) and functional success in 96.4% (106/110). All the 4 failures were due to cicatricial closure of the ostium. None of the patients were noted to have mucosal burns in the area where MMC was injected, and none of the Ostia showed any features of necrosis, infection, or any other complications. COS-MMC is a safe and effective adjunctive modality in DCR. No adverse effects on the ostium were noted. The technique appears to be promising for the success of cases with high risk of failures like revision DCR and traumatic secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Our review aims to provide an update of management protocols for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO). Although early probing performed before the age of 1 year was traditionally recommended, many reports have since confirmed high frequencies of spontaneous resolution during the first year of life. Accordingly, a 'wait-and-see' approach, combined with conservative therapies, is judged to be the best option in infants aged<1 year. By contrast, persistent obstruction beyond 1 year of age warrants probing as a first-line interventional therapy. However, the optimal timing for probing remains controversial. Although there remains a high possibility of spontaneous resolution after the first year of age, this must be balanced against the decrease in success rates for probing that accompanies advancing age. If conservative management fails, persistent CNDO beyond 1 year of age should be managed either by further observation or by primary probing according to the severity of symptoms. In patients in whom probing fails, advanced treatment such as balloon catheter dilation, silicone tube intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy may be considered.

Double silicone intubation as treatment for persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

The great majority of children with nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction are successfully treated with probing or conventional silicone tube intubation. A small percentage of patients fail to have their NLD obstruction resolved with these procedures and require dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of double bicanalicular silicone intubation with placement of two loops of silicone tubing through the NLD for treatment of persistent NLD obstruction in children as an alternative to DCR. Ten eyes of 9 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who had failed conventional therapies and were to otherwise undergo DCR were instead treated with double bicanalicular silicone tube intubation. Resolution of preoperative symptoms and signs of NLD obstruction were assessed. At an average follow-up of 40 +/- 5.6 months, all patients had improvement in symptoms and signs. The mean patient age was 31 +/- 3.2 months. The average duration of intubation was 15 +/- 0.73 months. Eight of 10 eyes had complete resolution of NLD obstruction symptoms. Two of 10 treated eyes had occasional symptoms of mattering with upper respiratory infection and exposure to wind or cold but required no further treatment. Nine of 10 eyes were treated for congenital NLD obstruction. The remaining patient had failed conventional bicanalicular intubation after repair of a traumatic common canalicular avulsion. Double bicanalicular silicone tube intubation is an effective alternative to DCR in selected children who have failed conventional therapies for NLD obstruction. This treatment obviated DCR in all patients in this study.