Primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children—Analysis of 18 patients

SummaryObjectiveTo describe the technique and results of primary endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children with nasolacrimal duct blockage and review of literature with comparison of the results in adults.Materials and methodsA prospective study was carried out between the months of January 2002 to December 2004, which included 18 patients. Patients diagnosed as having only nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in this study and an endonasal endoscopic procedure was performed.ResultsEighteen children underwent endoscopic the DCR procedure. There were 5 males (27.7%) and 13 females (72.3%) with the maximum incidence between the age group of 4–7 years (age ranging from 10 months to 11.2 years). The follow up period ranged from 6 to 19 months average being 8.2 months. Relief of symptoms and endoscopic visualization of the patent stoma made into the lacrimal sac with sac syringing determined a successful outcome. Seventeen patients (94.4%) fulfilled the criteria.ConclusionOur experience suggests that endonasal endoscopic DCR without stenting offers the same success rates for primary surgery over external DCR as have been established in adults. Moreover, it has an added advantage of shorter operative time, less morbidity and avoidance of stent related complications.