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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
[Lacrimal duct surgery in childhood. Retrospective study at the Munster University Ophthalmology Clinic]
Insights
Pediatric lacrimal system surgery, including intubation, canalicular surgery, and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), showed high success rates. Most children experienced significant symptom relief, with few requiring reoperation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Context:
- Lacrimal system obstructions affect children, necessitating surgical intervention.
- Surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction require thorough evaluation.
Purpose:
- To retrospectively analyze surgical strategies for pediatric lacrimal system obstructions.
- To evaluate the efficacy and patient satisfaction following different surgical interventions.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 296 children undergoing lacrimal system surgery (1987-1992) examined age, obstruction etiology, and surgical approach.
- Intubation with silicone tubing was performed in 184 patients, canalicular surgery in 7, and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in 19.
- Success rates were 87.5% for intubation, 85.7% for canalicular surgery, and 78.9% for DCR, with a low reoperation rate.
Impact:
- Provides evidence-based outcomes for pediatric lacrimal surgery.
- Informs clinical decision-making for treating congenital and acquired lacrimal obstructions in children.
- Highlights the effectiveness of various surgical techniques in improving quality of life.
Unlabelled:
Surgery on the lacrimal system in 296 children was performed at the Münster University Eye Hospital from 1987 to 1992.
Patients And Methods:
The age of the patients, etiology of the obstruction and surgical strategy were analyzed retrospetively. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to allow evaluation of the results and subjective satisfaction.
Results:
A total of 181 questionnaires was sent back to our hospital (results of 210 operations, including 24 preoperations). Of the 124 children were up to 3 years old. 197 obstructions were congenital, 7 traumatic, 4 results of inflammation, and 2 iatrogenic. In 184 patients we performed intubation with silicon tubing. Seven patients had canalicular surgery, and 19 patients had dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). After intubation 87.5% of patients were practically without complaints, after canalicular surgery 85.7% and after DCR 78.9%. Five patients suffered from severe problems and had to be reoperated.
