Microdebridement of Intranasal Cysts Associated With Congenital Dacryocystoceles

The surgical management of congenital dacryocystoceles has evolved in recent decades. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of endoscopic examination and powered microdebridement in the management of nasal cysts associated with congenital dacryocystoceles.

In this retrospective case series, all patients with congenital dacryocystoceles who underwent surgical intervention under general anesthesia at a single institution over a 12-year period (2009-2020) were included.

Thirty-seven lacrimal drainage systems from 29 patients were included, 8 patients (28%) had bilateral dacryocystoceles. Twenty-two (76%) were females, and 5 (17%) patients had a history of prematurity. Mean (±SD) age at diagnosis was 15 ± 28 days, and 1.4 ± 1.7 months at surgical intervention. Mean follow-up was 7.5 months. The right side was more commonly involved (20 [69%] OD vs. 17 [59%] OS). Dacryocystitis was diagnosed at presentation in 23 lacrimal drainage systems (62%). Intraoperatively, intranasal cysts were observed in 32 lacrimal drainage systems (86%), and a powered microdebrider was used to excise each cyst. In 6 of the 21 supposed unilateral cases (29%), a contralateral cyst was identified and treated. The average birth age of patients with intranasal cysts was 39 weeks versus 36 weeks of patients without ( p = 0.03). Surgical success was found in 36 of 37 sides treated (97%); one case (3%) underwent unilateral endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy during the follow-up period due to persistent symptoms.

Congenital dacryocystoceles are associated with intranasal cysts in most cases. Surgical intervention with microdebrider is associated with a favorable outcome. Bilateral endonasal examination is ideal in all cases.