Endoscopic-assisted probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE: To determine the success rate of initial probing in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) at different ages using nasal endoscopy, and to identify the anatomical sites of blockage within the drainage system. METHODS: A total of 87 eyes from 67 consecutive children with CNLDO underwent endoscopic nasolacrimal duct (NLD) probing under general anaesthetic. Patients who had had previous probings were excluded from the study. Diagnosis was based on history of epiphora since birth or shortly after, and fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT). Cure was judged as complete or near-complete remission of symptoms and signs and a normal FDDT. RESULTS: The age range was 12-91 months (mean 32.3 months). The success rates of probing were: 100% (58/58) for atresia and stenosis at the lower NLD, 100% (13/13) for punctal stenosis, 55.6% (5/9) for functional epiphora, and 0% (0/7) for canalicular and upper NLD obstruction. Age was not found to significantly affect the outcome of probing, whereas site did. Obstruction at canalicular or upper NLD level became more common with increasing age. CONCLUSION: Probing of the nasolacrimal system using the endoscopic approach allows direct visualisation of the distal nasolacrimal duct, which facilitates diagnosis of the anomaly at this site. More complex proximal anomalies became increasingly prevalent in older children, which accounted for the poorer results with increasing age. Site of obstruction has a greater bearing on outcome than patient age.     

Long-term results after probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

The long term results of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were reviewed using a parental questionnaire issued to both treated and age-matched control groups. On follow up 4-13 years after probing in childhood 30% of patients still had symptoms of epiphora or discharge. Surprisingly, a similar high symptom rate was found in the controls, such that there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of symptoms between the two groups. Probing had therefore apparently reduced the symptom rate to a level close to normal for the age group concerned. All studies on the incidence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction must be interpreted with reference to the known high rate of spontaneous resolution as a clear trend has been demonstrated towards a lower incidence of symptoms the longer the follow up after probing. This finding would support a policy of delay before further intervention in patients with mild residual symptoms after a technically successful probing.     

Conventional or endoscopic probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare conventional and endoscopic probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants. METHODS: Conventional probing was performed in 22 eyes of 18 patients, age range 7-14 months (mean 11.4 months). Probing was done with intranasal endoscopic visualization in 18 eyes of 14 patients, age range 7-13 months (mean 11.2 months). All were primary probing cases. RESULTS: After conventional probing 2 of the 22 cases required reprobing. After endoscopic probing only 1 of the 18 cases required reprobing. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction endoscopy is not required; however, in failed cases direct visualization of the inferior meatus with endoscopic guidance may be helpful.     

Results of late probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

One hundred four consecutive patients (138 eyes) with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were probed after the age of 13 months. One hundred twenty-nine eyes (93.5) were cured after the first probing. Based on this study and others showing the effectiveness of medical management, it is the current practice of the authors to delay probing until the patient is at least 13 months of age.     

Dilation probing as primary treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE: Recent studies have suggested that simple nasolacrimal duct (NLD) probing can be an effective primary surgery for congenital NLD obstruction regardless of age. The success of balloon dilation after failed NLD probing suggests that maximally enlarging the passage through the NLD system may enhance the success of simple NLD probing. This study used sequential probing with modified, taper-tip probes to evaluate whether maximally enlarging the nasolacrimal duct can effectively treat congenital NLD obstructions in all age groups. METHODS: Under general anesthesia, each obstructed NLD system was sequentially probed with larger diameter NLD probes until firm resistance prevented the passage of any larger probe size. Successful treatment was defined as a negative dye-disappearance test 2 weeks after probing and the absence of tearing symptoms at last contact. RESULTS: A retrospective chart review identified 40 patients ages 6 to 32 months (average, 17.7 months) who underwent the sequential probing procedure. Sequential NLD probing was successful in 66 (92%) of 72 eyes. Of the failures, both eyes in a 15-month-old patient with Down's syndrome had tight, anomalous NLD systems. In the remaining 4 eyes, 2 had resolution of symptoms but partially positive dye-disappearance tests, and 2 underwent successful repeat sequential NLD probing. Subdividing by age, 27 (100%) of 27 obstructed NLD systems were treated successfully in patients older than 18 months compared with 39 (87%) of 45 in younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential NLD probing to maximally enlarge the NLD system has a high rate of success in all children. Age does not appear to have an impact on success of probing.     

Clinical outcomes of initial and repeated nasolacrimal duct office-based probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Purpose

To characterize the outcomes of initial and repeated office-based probing as a primary treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent nasolacrimal duct office-based probing for CNLDO between March 2004 and January 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Nasolacrimal duct probing was performed on 244 eyes from 229 consecutive patients with CNLDO. Patients who were refractory to the first probing underwent a second probing 4 to 8 weeks later.

Results

Based on exclusion criteria, 244 eyes from 229 patients (117 males and 112 females), aged 6 to 71 months (mean, 12.4 ± 8.36) were included. The success rate of the initial probing was 80% (196 of 244) for all patients, 82% (111 of 136) in the 6 to 12 month age group, 79% (64 of 81) in the 13 to 18 months age group, and 78% (21 of 27) among individuals older than 19 months (p = 0.868, Pearson chi-square test). The success rate of the second probing was 61% (25 of 41) for all patients, 74% (17 of 23) in the 6 to 12 months age group, 58% (7 of 12) in the 13 to 18 months age group, and 17% (1 of 6) among individuals older than 19 months (p = 0.043, Fisher''s exact test).

Conclusions

While the success rate of initial nasolacrimal duct probing is not affected by age, the rate of success rate with a second probing was significantly lower in patients older than 19 months. Based on the results, authors recommend further surgical interventions, such as silicone tube intubation or balloon dacryocystoplasty, instead of repeated office probing for patients older than 19 months, if an initial office probing has failed.     

先天性泪道阻塞探通治疗的临床体会

目的：观察1~6月龄先天性泪道阻塞并泪囊炎的婴幼儿泪道探通治疗效果及泪道继发性粘连发生情况,按年龄分为1~3月龄组和3~6月龄组,对疗效及粘连发生率进行比较总结,确定最佳探通治疗时机。 方法：随机选取2007-06/2011-12期间来我院就诊的1~6月龄先天性泪道阻塞并泪囊炎患儿288例,其中男150例,女138例,单侧230例,双侧58例,年龄30~180（平均86.66±40.55）天龄。将患儿按照年龄段分为2组：第1组（观察组）1~3月龄,173例;第2组（对照组）3~6月龄,115例。两组治疗方法相同,用10g/L丁卡因表面麻醉泪小点,适当扩张下泪小点,用外径0.5mm或0.6mm带侧孔的圆头冲洗式探针常规操作冲洗探通泪道,但是探针进入泪囊后与水平线夹角应保持75°~85°,探通泪道成功后,将探针留置在泪道30~60min扩张泪道。拔除探针时患儿采取俯卧位,尽量冲净泪道残留分泌物及细胞碎屑。探通过程中记录泪道粘连情况,术后4~6d复诊冲洗泪道,观察、巩固疗效。随诊3~6mo,对两组疗效及泪道出现继发性粘连情况进行比较。 结果：第1组治愈率98.1%,泪道继发性粘连率29.3%。第2组治愈率82.6%,泪道继发性粘连率高达70.3%。通过统计学分析,两组疗效具有显著性差异,1~3月龄组疗效明显好于3~6月龄组;前者泪道继发性粘连发生率也明显低于后者。 结论：对于先天性泪道阻塞并泪囊炎的患儿提前到1~3mo内进行探通治疗效果很好,病情时间越长,泪道继发性粘连的机会愈多,疗效降低。以往多主张6月龄后再行泪道探通,通过临床观察,我们认为在1~3月龄内为最佳探通时间,适合在基层医院广泛推广应用。     

Outcome of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of probing in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children age 2 years and older and to establish factors predictive of the outcome.METHODS: The study was a single-center, prospective, interventional case series. Sixty patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction aged 24 months or older (range, 24 to 186 months; median, 33 months) presenting consecutively to the authors' institutional referral practice were studied. Probing of the nasolacrimal system under general anesthesia was the surgical intervention. Success of probing was the main outcome measure. Success was predefined as complete resolution of symptoms and signs (tearing, crusting, discharge, regurgitation on pressure over the lacrimal sac) of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction within 3 weeks of the procedure and continued remission at 6 months. Two attempts at probing were necessary before the procedure was declared a failure.RESULTS: One attempt at probing resulted in resolution in 73.3% (44 of 60) patients. Sixteen patients needed a repeat procedure. The overall success rate was 80% (48 of 60). Two specific types of obstructions of the nasolacrimal duct were recognized on probing: membranous and firm. Factors predictive of failure of probing were age older than 36 months (P <.0001); bilateral affection (P =.012); failed conservative therapy (P =.015); failed earlier probing (P <.0001); dilated lacrimal sac (P <.0001); and firm obstruction (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that probing is a viable primary surgical option for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children who present between 2 and 3 years of age, and identify factors predictive of poor prognosis.     

基础麻醉下泪道探通治疗先天性泪道阻塞

目的 探讨先天性鼻泪管阻塞泪道探通的时机以及基础麻醉下泪道探通的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析先天性鼻泪管阻塞泪道探通术1018例（1070眼）.根据年龄分为6～8月龄,9 ～12月龄和13 ～18月龄3组.其中门诊患儿常规局麻下探通,住院患儿基础麻醉下探通.分析泪道探通效果和并发症发生情况.结果 随访3月后统计：6 ～8月龄组398眼,386眼有效,有效率96.98％;9～ 12月龄组295眼,283眼有效,有效率95.93％;13 ～18月龄组377眼,362眼有效,有效率96.02％,3组间有效率两两比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.表面麻醉组有效率96.00％,基础麻醉组有效率96.73％,两组间有效率差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.4064,P=0.5238）.但大月龄组（13 ～ 18月龄组）基础麻醉有效率优于局麻者,两者间差异有统计学意义（χ2=4.457,P=0.0348）.并发症：局麻组发生率11.09％,基础麻醉组发生率2.31％,两组之间有统计学意义（χ2 =32.437,P＜0.0001）.结论 基础麻醉下泪道探通并发症少,大月龄（＞12月）患儿有效率高.     

先天性鼻泪管阻塞的临床特点及泪道探通术效果的影响因素

目的：探讨先天性鼻泪管阻塞的临床特点及影响泪道探通术效果的因素。方法：本研究通过回顾性分析2010-06/2011-05在我院眼科就诊并行泪道探通术的先天性鼻泪管阻塞的患儿616例687眼,研究内容包括：初次就诊年龄、泪道探通术时年龄、性别、分娩方式、有无脓性分泌物、既往泪道冲洗和泪道探通术病史。总结其临床特点并通过分析以上各因素与泪道探通术成功率的关系,研究先天性鼻泪管阻塞治疗效果的影响因素。泪道探通术成功的标准为：流泪和眼部分泌物等症状消失,泪道冲洗通畅。结果：剖宫产和自然分娩患儿在泪道探通术成功率方面没有统计学差异（P=0.376）,男女之间也没有统计学差异（P=0.498）。泪道探通术成功率与泪道探通术年龄呈负相关关系（r=-0.328,P=0.001）。3～,6～,9～,12～15,＞15月龄手术成功率分别为：100%,97.8%,90.8%,833%和76.5%。有脓性分泌物的患儿手术成功率明显下降（P=0.013）。患儿既往泪道冲洗病史对泪道探通术成功率影响不大（P=0.561）。但有外院泪道探通术病史的患儿,其手术成功率显著下降（P=0.042）。结论：先天性鼻泪管阻塞的泪道探通术成功率随着年龄的增长而下降,而且脓性分泌物也是泪道探通术失败的危险因素。因此对于先天性鼻泪管阻塞的患儿,有效局部控制炎症和早期行泪道探通术是提高泪道探通术成功率的关键。     

新生儿泪囊炎泪道探通时机评估

目的评估新生儿泪囊炎最佳手术探通时机,探讨手术成功的相关因素。方法随机选择眼科门诊2004年4月至2006年2月2448例2～60个月新生儿泪囊炎病例。根据儿童年龄分为2m～4m,5m～12m,13m～60m三组分别观察。对保守治疗2周无效的患儿采用一体式泪道冲洗探通针一次性完成泪道探通手术,手术前后连续使用妥布霉素,生理盐水,氟美松行泪道冲洗3d-5d,对于术后泪道不通患儿手术后1w复行泪道再次探通,二次探通失败者手术后1m后再行泪道探通术。治愈标准为无溢泪,无分泌物,泪道冲洗通畅。术后仍然流泪,伴分泌物,泪道冲洗不畅为无效。结果2个月～4个月组治愈率（98.44%）,5个月～12个月组治愈率（96.47%）,13个月～60个月组治愈率（90.56%）3组比较,患儿年龄越小,手术探通治愈率越高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;其中2个月～4个月组1次探通成功率（3.02%）;5个月～12个月组一次探通成功率（6.42%）;13个月～60个月组一次探通成功率（9.12%）;3个年龄组相比,随着年龄增加,多次探通率明显增加,具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论新生儿泪囊炎,年龄越小手术治愈率越高,2周以上保守治疗无效者,应该早期行泪道探通手术。手术前后采用抗生素和激素连续冲洗泪道及采用改良新款一体式冲洗探通针对于手术的成功至关重要。     

Repeated probing results in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE: To assess the results of our protocol of repeated probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in various presentations. METHODS: A total of 1600 patients (1748 eyes) with congenital dacryocystitis (850 boys, 750 girls; age range, 1 month to 48 months [mean 16.54 +/- 12.21 months]) were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by history of tearing, crusting of lids, and a boggy swelling over inner canthal region, which on pressure ejected mucopurulent discharge through punctum. Antibiotic eye drops were instilled five times a day for a week in affected eyes after the mother pressed the sac area and cleaned the discharge. The cases that were not relieved were subjected to sequential probing dilating with an increasing diameter probe repeated in failed cases second and third times at 1-week interval. RESULTS: Medical treatment was effective in only 60 eyes (3.43%). Probing and syringing achieved successful results in 790 eyes (100%) aged 1 month to 12 months; 330 eyes (99.40%) aged 12 months to 18 months; 200 eyes (98%) aged 18 months to 24 months; 150 eyes (95.24%) aged 24 months to 36 months; and 158 eyes (89.87%) aged 36 months to 48 months. The cure rate with first probing was 98.10%, second probing was 99.64%, and third probing was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol of medical regime and early probing repeated two to three times was very effective in the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction at all ages. A second and third probing was recommended after 1 week of the first probing with successful results if first probing failed.     

鼻泪管探通术治疗先天性鼻泪管阻塞的疗效研究

目的：研究探通术与灌溉对儿童先天性鼻泪管阻塞(congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, CNDO)的成功率及相关因素。

方法：从2005/2011年,患有CNDO的儿童235例261眼行鼻泪管探通术。患者按年龄分为3组：组1,131眼为12～24月龄; 组2,82眼为>24～48月龄; 组3,48眼为>48～120月龄。在全身麻醉下进行上、下泪小点探通术。术后1d; 1,2wk; 1,3mo进行随访。通过Mann Whitney U检验和卡方检验分析手术成功率与年龄的相关性。

结果：儿童235例(女性122例,男性113例)的平均年龄为27.6±10.7(12～120)mo。3组患儿一次探通术后的成功率分别为90.1%、85.4%和47.6%,并且组1 、组2成功率显著高于组3(P<0.05)。患儿53例(20.3%)再次行探通术,3组的成功率分别为：61.5%、58.3% 和25.0%。

结论：鼻泪管探通术是治疗CNDO的有效方法,特别是对于小于2岁的患儿。手术成功率随着年龄增加而降低,但是上下泪小管二次探通术可以提高术后效果。     

鼻泪管探通术治疗先天性鼻泪管阻塞的疗效观察

目的:研究探通术与灌溉对儿童先天性鼻泪管阻塞(congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction,CNDO)的成功率及相关因素。方法:从2005/2011,患有CNDO的儿童235例261眼行鼻泪管探通术。患者按年龄分为3组:组1,131眼为12～24月龄;组2,82眼为24～48月龄;组3,48眼为48～120月龄。在全身麻醉下进行上、下泪小点探通术。术后1d;1、2wk;1、3mo进行随访。通过Mann Whitney U检验和卡方检验分析手术成功率与年龄的相关性。结果:儿童235例(女性122例,男性113例)的平均年龄为27.6±10.7(12～120)mo。3组患儿一次探通术后的成功率分别为90.1%、85.4%和47.6%,并且组1、组2成功率显著高于组3(P<0.05)。患儿53例(20.3%)再次行探通术,3组的成功率分别为:61.5%、58.3%和25.0%。结论:鼻泪管探通术是治疗CNDO的有效方法,特别是对于小于2岁的患儿。手术成功率随着年龄增加而降低,但是上下泪小管二次探通术可以提高术后效果。     

Outcome of late probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in Singapore children

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of late probing in a mixed Asian children population with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and whether probing was associated with an increased risk of infection. Method: A retrospective clinical study was conducted. A clinical diagnosis of CNLDO was defined in an infant who presented with a history of tearing and/or eye discharge up to 1 year of age with no other accompanying ocular pathology. All patients with a presumed diagnosis of CNLDO who had probing after 12 months of age were included in our study. Prior to probing, most patients had a trial of conservative treatment with massage and/or topical antibiotics. Intra-operative patency of probing was determined when metal to metal contact of the probe and forceps was achieved and/or when fluorescein dye was recovered from the nose after syringing. Successful probing was defined as a resolution of symptoms within 1 month after probing. Results: Seventeen patients involving 19eyes fulfilled our inclusion criteria for this study. Fourteen (82%) infants were Chinese, two Malays (12%) and the remaining one Indian (6%). There were 10 males(59%) and 7 females(41%) and the mean age at probing was 2.2 years(range, 14 months to 5years 6 months). The subjects were followed-up post-operatively for a mean duration of 21.2 months (range, 2 months to 8years). Successful probing in our series was 89.5% (17/19 eyes). Of the two eyes with persistent tearing, one resolved with massage about 9 months after the unsuccessful probing; the other was referred to the oculoplastic service for further management. Conclusion: Late probing after 13 months old appears to be an effective approach in the management of CNLDO in Asian infants. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

泪道探通联合留置探针的方法治疗先天性复杂性鼻泪管阻塞

目的探讨泪道探通联合留置探针治疗复杂泪道阻塞的疗效和可行性。方法对复杂泪道阻塞的患儿采用一体式冲洗探通针头行泪道探通联合留置探针的方法,探针留置30min～2h。结果探通＋留置探针治疗103眼,总治愈率为90.3%。其中单纯鼻泪管下段阻塞治愈率为100%,上段和/或中段阻塞治愈率为82.6%,下段＋上和/或中段阻塞治愈率为88.9%,膜性阻塞治愈率为93.9%,骨性阻塞治愈率为76.2%。随着患儿年龄增大,治愈率下降。结论泪道探通＋留置探针是治疗复杂性先天性泪道阻塞（包括阻塞部位较多、多次单纯探通失败、鼻泪管发育畸形、狭窄夹针、轻度鼻泪管下段骨性阻塞）的一种较好的方法,所需时间短,疗效快。     

Timing of initial probing and irrigation in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

A series of 427 patients with congenital dacryostenosis involving 572 eyes was seen at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. All patients were treated conservatively with antibiotics and massage prior to decision by the parents to request probing. Congenital dacryostenosis, as well as resolution of symptoms, were confirmed by clinical examination and use of a modified dye disappearance test. In 572 eyes, the success rate of initial probing was found to be 97% under 13 months of age. Over 13 months, however, the mean success rate was found to be 54.7%. When broken down into smaller age categories, a stepwise progression was observed from 76.4% between 13 and 18 months to 33.3% for patients probed after 24 months. In addition, the number and complexity of subsequent procedures appeared to increase along with the age at which the initial probing was performed. These data suggest that initial probing should be done prior to 13 months of age depending on the severity of symptoms and parent compliance with medical management.