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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: A multicenter series of 116 cases
WengOnn Chan1,2, Geoff Wilcsek3, Raf Ghabrial4
1a South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Royal Adelaide Hospital , Adelaide , Australia.
Insights
Pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a safe and effective surgical treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). This study found a 90% success rate, with most patients experiencing complete symptom resolution after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common condition in children.
- Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical approach to address NLDO.
- Previous interventions like probing and massaging have variable success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
- To assess the safety and success rate of endonasal DCR in children with NLDO.
- To analyze factors such as complications and previous treatments.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, retrospective study of pediatric endonasal DCR cases from 2006-2011.
- Inclusion criteria: patients under 16 years undergoing endonasal DCR.
- Data collected: indication, demographics, prior interventions, complications, follow-up, and success rate.
Main Results:
- 116 endonasal DCRs performed on 103 pediatric patients.
- Congenital NLDO (CNLDO) accounted for 84.5% of cases.
- Overall success rate was 90%, with 78% achieving complete symptom resolution. One case of postoperative pyogenic granuloma was noted, with no infections or hemorrhages.
Conclusions:
- Endonasal DCR is a safe and highly successful surgical procedure for pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
- The high success rate supports its use as a primary or secondary treatment for pediatric NLDO.
- Further research could explore long-term outcomes and compare different surgical techniques.
Abstract:
We report our experience with pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative study. Cases of pediatric endonasal DCR during 2006-2011 were included from six oculoplastic units. Patients over the age of 16 years were excluded. The outcomes of pediatric endonasal DCR are presented. Indication for surgery, demographics, previous interventions, intraoperative or postoperative complications, follow-up duration, and success rate (defined as significant improvement of epiphora) were evaluated. In total, 116 endonasal DCRs were performed for 103 patients. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 3 months to 4 years), with 1 patient lost to follow-up. There were 48 males (mean age 5 years and 9 months) and 50 females (range of 4 months to 16 years), with a total of 98 cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) (84.5%) and 18 cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (ANLDO) (15.5%). Previous interventions included probing 75.9% (88/116), massaging 43.1% (50/116), and intubation 39.7% (46/116). There were no intraoperative complications. There was one case of postoperative pyogenic granuloma. There were no cases of postoperative infection and postoperative hemorrhage. Ninety percent of procedures were considered successful. Complete symptom resolution was observed in 78% (90/116), significant improvement in 12% (14/116), partial improvement in 2% (2/116), and no improvement in 8% (9/116). In our series, we demonstrated that endonasal DCR is a safe operation and has an overall success rate of 90% for pediatric NLDO.
