Primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children -- analysis of 18 patients

Ashok K Gupta1, Sandeep Bansal

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India.

Insights

Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a successful primary surgery for children with nasolacrimal duct blockage. This technique offers high success rates without stenting, comparable to external DCR in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

  • Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common condition in children.
  • Traditional external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be effective but may lead to scarring and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the technique and outcomes of primary endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in pediatric patients with NLDO.
  • To compare the results with those reported for adult DCR procedures.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study included 18 pediatric patients diagnosed with isolated NLDO.
  • All patients underwent a primary endonasal endoscopic DCR procedure without stenting.

Main Results:

  • The study included 18 children (5 males, 13 females), with a peak incidence in the 4-7 year age group.
  • Seventeen patients (94.4%) achieved successful outcomes, confirmed by symptom relief and patent stoma visualization.
  • The average follow-up period was 8.2 months (range: 6-19 months).

Conclusions:

  • Endonasal endoscopic DCR without stenting demonstrates high success rates in primary pediatric surgery for NLDO.
  • This minimally invasive approach offers advantages over external DCR, including shorter operative time, reduced morbidity, and avoidance of stent-related issues.
Abstract

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