Cannula-probing combined with nasal procedure for dacryocystitis neonatorum

Between 1973-1976 a total of 2063 cases of dacryocystitis neonatorum have been treated by cannula-probing in our department. In 37 cases the cannula-probing had to be combined with a nasal procedure for opening the closed nasolacrimal membrane: a periosteal elevator was passed into the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity and its tip was rubbed against the tip of the cannula-probe through the imperforate mucosa of the ostium. The patency of the duct was tested by simultaneous syringing. In 34 cases the lacrimal pathway became permanently patient after one nasal procedure and in 2 cases after two operations. This kind of nasal proceudre is indicated: 1) in those cases where the cannula-probing meets with resistance at the ostium; 2) in those cases where control syringing--made while slowly withdrawal the cannulaprobe--is repeatedly unsuccessful at the beginning of the withdrawal.