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Updated: Oct 12, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
The outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children: A systematic review
Federico Maria Gioacchini1, Matteo Alicandri-Ciufelli2, Shaniko Kaleci3
1Otolaryngology Department, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
Insights
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is effective for treating pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction, achieving high success rates. This minimally invasive approach offers comparable outcomes to traditional methods in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common condition in children.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary when conservative treatments fail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) for pediatric NLDO.
- To compare EDCR outcomes with traditional surgical approaches.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted in October 2014.
- Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies.
- A meta-analysis assessed success and failure rates of EDCR.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies involving 346 children (393 procedures) were analyzed.
- The mean success rate for EDCR was 87% (95% CI: 80-91%).
- The mean failure rate for EDCR was 14% (95% CI: 9-21%).
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy demonstrates significant success in treating pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
- Despite complex pediatric nasal anatomy, EDCR yields results comparable to the external approach.
Objectives:
To systematically review and discuss the published results about the application of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in treating children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Methods:
In October 2014 an appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve all relevant articles. A cross-check was performed by two of the authors on abstracts and full-text articles found using the selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. A non-comparative meta-analysis concerning the procedures' rate of success and failure was performed.
Results:
Fourteen studies were identified comprising a total of 346 subjects affected by nasolacrimal duct obstruction (unilateral or bilateral). Overall there were 393 surgical procedures, all performed with an exclusive endoscopic approach. The average length of follow-up was reported in twelve studies resulting 15.2 months and ranging from 3 to 27.1 months. On the basis of our statistical analysis the mean (95% CI) rate of failure was 0.14 (0.09-0.21). The mean (95% CI) rate of success resulted 0.87 (0.80-0.91).
Conclusions:
Although in young patients the nasal anatomy is more complex and narrow than in adults our review showed as the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy allows similar results in terms of success compared to the external approach.
