Age-Specific Outcomes of Conservative Approach and Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

To evaluate the resolution rate of lacrimal sac massage and the efficacy of primary probing among different age groups of patients with CNLDO in Thai population.

Retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients younger than 10 years of age who had been diagnosed with CNLDO, from January 1st, 2011, to October 31st, 2021. Patients were divided into two groups. The conservative treatment group comprised patients who had received Crigler's maneuver and topical antibiotic when indicated; the intervention group comprised patients who had received probing.

There were 469 patients in the conservative treatment group and 108 patients in the probing group. In the conservative treatment group; the patients were categorized into five groups according to age: 0 to <6 months, 6 to <12 months, 12 to <18 months, 18 to <24 months, and ≥24 months. The resolution rates for these age groups were 99.25%, 96.23%, 64.71%, 50%, and 62.07%, respectively. The rate of spontaneous resolution was significantly associated with patient age (p <0.01). In the intervention group; the patients were categorized into four age groups according to age: 0 to <12 months, 12 to <24 months, 24 to <36 months, and ≥36 months. The success rates of primary probing for these age groups were 92.86%, 89.29%, 85.71%, and 94.12%, respectively. The success rate of primary probing was not significantly associated with patient age (p >0.05).

The Crigler's maneuver is a safe and highly effective procedure for the management of CNLDO in patients of multiple ages, particularly patients less than 12 months of age. According to the high spontaneous resolution rate and the low rate of complications, the clinicians may delay surgical intervention when desired.