Endoscopic guided single self-linking silicone stent in pediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy

To study the efficacy of a new technique of single self-linking silicone stent exclusively in pediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to report the new use and advantages of endoscopic guidance for the same.

Prospective interventional case series, including 11 eyes of ten patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Data collected included demographic data, clinical presentation, laterality, status of lids and puncta, syringing findings, probing interpretations, types and duration of intubation. Consecutive pediatric patients with post-saccal obstruction who underwent an external dacryocystorhinostomy were included. Exclusion criteria included patients who had undergone a DCR in the past by any route via external, endonasal or transcanalicular. Primary outcome measures were stent retention and ease of stent removal. Secondary outcome measures were anatomic patency of the passage and resolution of symptoms.

There were three male and seven female patients. Mean age was 9.4 years (range 6-15). A total of 11 procedures were carried out. Following placement of self-linked stents, the removal was done at a mean duration of 13.2 weeks (range:12-16 weeks). None of the patients had a stent prolapse during this period. All stents were removed in the outpatient without the use of general anesthesia with minimal endoscopic guidance. A minimum follow-up of three months following removal was considered for final analysis. Follow-up ranged from three months to six months after tube removal. The anatomical and functional success rate was 91%. There was one anatomical failure three months following tube removal and the remaining patients were free of symptoms at the last follow-up.

Self-linking stents are a useful modality in pediatric patients not only to prevent stent prolapse but also to allow easy removal with minimum discomfort. Endoscopic guidance is a useful addition to this technique.