Original ResearchEndonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in children: Our experience

- Endonasal DCR is a safe and effective procedure in children indicated only when the conservative management fails.
- Excellent outcome is attained in children by using a wider 4 mm endoscope at the cost of miniaturization of instruments.
- Use of otology set allows a more meticulous surgery, thus combines a high success rate with a minimally invasive technique.

IntroductionEpiphora affects approximately 20% neonates, but most resolve spontaneously. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is indicated only when conservative management fails.ObjectiveTo observe clinical presentation, treatment modalities and effectiveness of endoscopic DCR in paediatric population.MethodsIt is a prospective study of 21 children done at our tertiary care hospital from 2011 to 2016. All were initially subjected to a trial of conservative management. Those that responded and didn't require surgery were excluded.ResultsThe age group ranged from 40 days to 11.5 years. 19 underwent unilateral & 2 underwent bilateral endoscopic DCR. After a 6 month follow-up, 20 children were benefitted by surgery, 2 had an incomplete resolution and 1 required revision surgery. The overall success rate was 95.23% and failed cases were mainly due to post-traumatic distortion of the anatomy. No major complications were noted.ConclusionEndoscopic DCR is safe and effective in children presenting with persistent epiphora.