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Published on: October 13, 2017
Balloon catheter dilation for complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children
1Orbit Lacrinal & Oculoplasty Services, Shri Ganapati Nerralaya, Jalna, India.
Insights
Balloon catheter dilation effectively treats complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children. This procedure offers an alternative for cases where initial probing fails.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is common in infants.
- Complex cases in older children often require advanced interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of lacrimal balloon catheter dilation for complex CNLDO in children over two years old.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 65 eyes from 59 children undergoing probing for CNLDO.
- Eight children with complex distal obstruction underwent secondary balloon dacryoplasty under general anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Balloon dilation achieved success in 7 out of 8 (87.5%) cases.
- All treated children were over three years old and had previously failed probing.
Conclusions:
- Lacrimal balloon catheter dilation is effective for complex CNLDO in older children.
- It serves as a viable alternative to silicone intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy after failed probing.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effectiveness of lacrimal balloon catheter dilation in the treatment of complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, the case records of 65 eyes of 59 children 2 to 6 years (mean: 37 months) who underwent probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were evaluated. Complex obstruction was noted in 21 (32.3%) of the 65 children older than 2 years who underwent probing. Secondary balloon dacryoplasty was performed in 8 (38.09%) of these 21 lacrimal systems. Patient age ranged from 3 to 6 years (mean: 47 months). Balloon catheter dilation was performed according to a standard protocol. Clinical patency of the nasolacrimal system was the main outcome measure and was defined as complete resolution of signs and symptoms (crusting, discharge, and watering) on follow-up. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia. All dilations were performed by the same lacrimal surgeon.
Results:
Secondary balloon dacryoplasty was successful in seven of the eight lacrimal systems (87.5%). Complex obstruction at the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct was noted in all children. All children were older than 3 years (mean: 37 months), and all underwent secondary procedures because previous probing was unsuccessful.
Conclusion:
Balloon catheter dilation is an effective procedure for complex nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children. It can be an alternative to silicone intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy in children after unsuccessful probing.
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