Inferior dacryocystorhinostomy in severe congenital dacryostenosis

Inferior dacryocystorhinostomy is a simple and effective method in the treatment of such cases of congenital dacryostenosis in which conservative treatment and probing have failed and in which the atresia is located at the level of the nasolacrimal duct. The operative technique is described in detail. The series treated by this method consists of 8 patients, 3 of whom showed bilateral stenosis. On 2 patients adenoidectomy was performed in connection with the dacryocystorhinostomy. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 34 months, and a good result was obtained in 7 cases. In one case the passage produced closed soon after the operation. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was then successfully carried out by West's method. The operative technique described is well suited for patients under two years of age.