Value of nasal endoscopy and probing in the diagnosis and management of children with congenital epiphora

BACKGROUND: Congenital nasolacrimal obstruction is usually the result of failure of canalisation of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct. The most common outcome is spontaneous resolution, but some children do require surgical treatment by probing. Probing is a blind procedure with a recognised failure rate. METHODS: In 52 lacrimal systems of 40 children nasal endoscopy was combined with a "stepwise" systematic probing in an attempt to improve the outcome and reduce the number of repeat procedures. RESULTS: Combined nasal endoscopy and probing improved the understanding of outflow obstruction in young children. The success of the procedure depended upon the level of the obstruction within the outflow system. Formation of a false passage was seen in six cases (15%). The probe was rerouted under direct visualisation in these cases to form a functioning passage. Reasons for failure were identified in those who did not have a successful outcome and only one repeat procedure was required. CONCLUSION: Using nasal endoscopy the area of lacrimal outflow obstruction at the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct can be observed directly and it is possible to guide the progress of probing under direct vision. This gives better information about the nature of the obstruction, minimises the formation of false passages, and allows a wider range of treatment options under a single anaesthetic.     

Congenital nasolacrimal duct cysts in dacryocystocele

Cystic intranasal masses were found in seven newborn infants with congenital dacryocystocele. The cysts were a direct extension of the nasolacrimal duct, located beneath the inferior turbinate. Nasal obstruction was present in three infants and was severe enough to cause respiratory distress in two neonates with bilateral cysts. Using fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, treatment consisting of probing, irrigation, and marsupialization of the cysts was successful in all infants. The authors believe this rarely reported anomaly is a more common finding in dacryocystocele than previously recognized and advocate careful nasal examination in all infants with congenital dacryocystocele. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition is critical in the infant with nasal obstruction.     

鼻泪道阻塞性疾病的治疗现状与进展

泪道疾病是多发病、常见病,特别是鼻泪道阻塞性疾病,传统治疗多采用泪囊鼻腔吻合术和经泪小点泪道探通术。传统的泪囊鼻腔吻合术治疗鼻泪道阻塞性疾病效果可靠稳定;随着鼻内窥镜的发展,产生了一种完美而创伤小的泪囊鼻腔吻合术。近年来新型泪道器材的出现,泪道支架、激光或高频电在临床上广泛应用;泪道探通联合新型泪道支架及其他辅助治疗疗效肯定。现在国内外少数医院开展了具有创伤更小,不改变原有组织结构的微创术（泪道内窥镜技术）,应用于鼻泪道阻塞性疾病诊治;这种显微技术在鼻泪道阻塞性疾病方面的诊治具有良好的发展前景。     

Congenital dacryocystocele with intranasal extension

PURPOSE: Congenital dacryocystocele is a rare anomaly in the newborn child. The swelling of lachrymal sac is observed by birth and it is associated with obstruction of lachrymal system either above or below lachrymal sac. METHODS. Diagnosis was made by clinical observation. Some ancillary examinations, such as ultrasonography, tomography, and rhinoscopy, were useful. RESULTS. The authors describe the clinical case of a newborn with a unilateral congenital dacryocystocele. This anomaly was successfully treated with probing and marsupialization of the nasal cyst. CONCLUSIONS. Treatment of this congenital anomaly is by light compressive massage, probing with silicone intubation of lachrymal system to assure prolonged permeability of the system, or with marsupialization of the nasal cyst. In some cases with intranasal extension of dacryocystocele, collaboration with an otolaryngologist may be necessary.     

泪道阻塞性疾病治疗方法新进展

泪道阻塞疾病为眼科常见病,传统治疗多采用鼻腔泪囊吻合术及泪道探通术。近年来随着新材料新技术的发展,新型泪道支架和泪道内窥镜得以越来越多的应用于泪道阻塞疾病的治疗。传统的鼻腔泪囊吻合术在经过多年的实践和改进后,效果稳定可靠;由于鼻内窥镜技术的发展,鼻腔泪囊吻合术也得以在内镜下治疗;泪道探通术简单易行,受器械及场地影响较小,结合激光置管等辅助治疗疗效肯定,新型材料支架的应用也为泪道探通术提供了新的发展前景;国外发达国家近年已开始将经泪小点泪道内窥镜用于对泪道阻塞性疾病的检查和治疗,使手术医师有了更多的选择。泪道内窥镜技术在阻塞性泪道疾病方面具有良好的应用前景。     

Nasolacrimal duct disorders in children. Part II. Treatment

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CLDO) is considered as common and onerous disorder present at infancy. Over 5% of infants have CLDO affecting one or both eyes. The symptoms of CLDO appear shortly after birth or during the first weeks of life. The main symptoms are: epiphora, ropy, mucous discharge in the conjunctival sac. In conservative treatment a lacrimal sac massage is proposed, though it is not always successful. Topical antibiotics are reserved only if secondary conjunctivitis occurs. Fortunately, most cases resolve spontaneously. However, sometimes nasolacrimal duct probing performed under local or general anesthesia is necessary. Prognosis for probing decreases with the increasing number of probings and the age of the patient. In children, who have failed nasolacrimal duct probing, intubation or balloon catheter dilatation of the nasolacrimal system with or without silicone tubing should be considered. In the case of the upper sac obstructions one can use laser endoscopic dacryocystorhynostomy. If it is still not amenable to opening a endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EESC-DCR), or traditional external dacryocysto-rhinostomy (EXT-DCR), should be performed.     

鼻内镜下泪囊鼻腔吻合术联合丝裂霉素C治疗鼻泪道阻塞

目的:探讨鼻内镜下泪囊鼻腔吻合术联合丝裂霉素C(MMC)治疗鼻泪道阻塞的疗效和安全性。方法:选择32例38眼鼻泪道阻塞(或伴泪囊炎、泪囊脓肿)患者,鼻内镜下鼻丘处制成骨孔,切开泪囊并充分翻转泪囊前后瓣,0.1g/L MMC棉球于泪囊吻合口保留48h后取出。结果:术后7d;3,6mo行鼻内镜检查并冲洗泪道。术后7d,治愈34眼,好转3眼,无效1眼,治疗好转率97.4%;术后3mo,治愈32眼,好转4眼,无效2眼,治愈好转率94.7%;术后6mo,治愈32眼,好转4眼,无效2眼,治疗好转率94.7%。所有病例,均未发生鼻出血和眼眶内并发症等术后并发症。结论:鼻内镜下泪囊鼻腔吻合术联合MMC治疗鼻泪道阻塞(或伴泪囊炎、泪囊脓肿)是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

A multidisciplinary approach to atypical lacrimal obstruction in childhood.

PURPOSE: This study explores the diagnosis and management of unusual anomalies involving the canaliculi, nasolacrimal duct, nasal cavity, and sinuses in childhood. METHODS: A case series of eight children with lacrimal outflow anomalies ranging from distal nasolacrimal duct cyst formation to persistent dacryocystitis following failed probing or silicone intubation were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic studies including intranasal endoscopy and preoperative or intraoperative dacryocystography (DCG) were of value. RESULTS: Treatment modalities included endoscopically guided resection of lacrimal cyst mucosa, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), and monocanalicular or bicanalicular intubation of the lacrimal outflow system. In our series, endoscopic surgery was well tolerated by all patients with improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This initial experience suggests that endoscopic techniques may be useful in the management of atypical lacrimal outflow obstruction in childhood.     

Intranasal endoscopic diagnosis and treatment in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify the causes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction using intranasal endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven children with symptoms of epiphora since birth were selected for treatment. A silicone tube was inserted after identifying the causes of prior probing failures by observing the probing tip directly with intranasal endoscopy. RESULTS: As confirmed through intranasal endoscopic examination, tearing was caused by mucosal obstruction, submucosal passing of the probe, pus collection, and inferior turbinate impaction. The probe passed into the submucosal space in 5 patients and, by performing probing medially instead in the usual posterolateral direction, probing succeeded in 4 patients. One case was accompanied by a bone abnormality; we bent the probe tip into the nasal cavity to form the lacrimal pathway. CONCLUSION: By using intranasal endoscopy, a silicone tube can be inserted under direct visualization and any causative abnormalities can be identified. This can also minimize the intranasal trauma sometimes caused by blind probing.     

鼻内镜造袋术与泪道探通术治疗先天性泪囊突出的疗效对比研究

目的对比鼻内镜造袋术与泪道探通术治疗先天性泪囊突出的疗效。方法30例（33眼）确诊先天性泪囊突出的新生儿,男性20例（22眼）、女性10例（11眼）。随机分为A、B两组,每组15例,A组实施鼻内镜造袋术、B组实施泪道探通术分别进行治疗。术后随访至1年,比较两组疗效、并发症发生率及再手术率。结果接受鼻内镜下造袋术治疗组患儿治愈率100％,并发症发生率6。7％,无再手术病例。接受泪道探通术治疗组的患儿治愈率93．3％,并发症发生率20％,再手术率33．3％。结论鼻内镜下囊肿造袋术较泪道探通术治疗先天性泪囊突出具有更好的疗效和安全性。     

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystocele associated with a concha bullosa mucocele

PURPOSE: To describe the rare occurrence of a concha bullosa mucocele producing secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystocele. DESIGN: Case report. PARTICIPANT: Forty-two-year-old man with 6-month history of left medial canthal mass. INTERVENTION: Clinical evaluation with lacrimal testing, computed tomography and surgical exploration, including biopsy, dacryocystorhinostomy, and excision/marsupialization of the middle turbinate concha bullosa mucocele were performed. RESULTS: The medial canthal mass was confirmed to be a dacryocystocele associated with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and bone destruction caused by concha bullosa mucocele. CONCLUSIONS: Concha bullosa mucoceles are uncommon and even more rarely can produce secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystocele formation. The clinical and radiologic features may mimic a lacrimal sac malignancy.     

Diseases of the lacrimal drainage system

We will refer to lacrimal system pathologies involving the outflow pathways, as well as to the recent advances in the management of canalicular and lacrimonasal duct anomalies, including modifications to dacrycystorhinostomy technique, treatment for congenital obstructions, and lacrimal intubations. Special emphasis will be placed on the usefulness of nasal and canalicular endoscopy for the examination and treatment of congenital obstructions and endonasal pathologies, as an aid for intubations and lacrimal surgery, as well as on reasons for failed procedures.     

Lacrimal System Endoscopy Assisted Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the potential benefit of intra-operative lacrimal system endoscopy during endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

Methods: Eight patients (10 cases) underwent lacrimal system endoscopy assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal duct obstruction between May 2010 and July 2012 at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. All patients were subsequently followed post-operatively for at least 6 months. Primary outcome measures included post-operative epiphora and infection.

Results: Lacrimal system endoscopy assisted endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was successful in identifying the level of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in all 10 cases. Endoscopy revealed obstruction at the valve of Hasner in 2 cases, while the remaining cases involved obstruction at more proximal locations within the nasolacrimal duct. The location of the rhinostomy created during dacryocystorhinostomy was tailored to the specific level of obstruction. No intra-operative complications were encountered. The majority of patients (6 of 8) experienced complete resolution of epiphora within 1 month of surgery, with all patients achieving resolution by 6 months. None of the patients in the study exhibited any signs of post-operative dacryocystitis.

Conclusion: The evaluation and management of nasolacrimal duct obstruction may be greatly enhanced through the use of intra-operative lacrimal system endoscopy by specifically localizing and identifying the underlying cause of obstruction, while maintaining the excellent success rate of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.     

先天性鼻泪管阻塞首次探通失败再治疗的临床分析

目的：分析我院就诊的28例首次泪道探通失败的先天性鼻泪管阻塞病例资料,总结再治疗策略。

方法：回顾性研究,选取2013-02-01/2017-12-31在我院就诊的591例患儿中的28例,均为首次泪道探通失败的先天性鼻泪管阻塞患儿(不包括外伤性和先天性泪道畸形),收集病史、鼻腔情况、首次探通年龄,治疗前后情况等病例资料。

结果：患儿28例中,15例经再次泪道探通联合置管术,取管后已治愈; 10例患儿经下鼻甲处理后,再次泪道探通联合置管术,取管后已治愈; 2例患儿经常发作急性泪囊炎,在全身麻醉下行鼻内窥镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术; 1例骨性鼻泪管狭窄和阻塞患儿,有溢泪不伴溢脓,建议定期随访,13岁后鼻窦发育完全后行鼻内窥镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术。

结论：先天性鼻泪管阻塞首次泪道探通失败再治疗需采取个性化的阶梯治疗方案,合理治疗该疾病。     

先天性泪囊膨出诊断和治疗及病因探讨

目的：回顾性研究我院接诊的先天性泪囊膨出患者,并讨论该类疾病产生的病因和临床处理方案。方法：系统回顾我院2002-01-01/2011-12-31就诊的先天性泪囊膨出患儿共9例10眼,其中男4例4眼,女5例6眼,均在出生后立即发现泪囊区肿块,对所有患者进行全身抗生素使用和局部泪囊冲洗注入抗生素。结果：对经空心泪道探针抽取泪囊内脓液的7眼进行细菌培养,病菌检出率为90%。检出分别是G-菌3株,G＋菌6株。G-菌对左氧氟沙星、环丙沙星最为敏感,G＋菌对左氧氟沙星和妥布霉素最为敏感。细菌对红霉素的敏感性均最低。2眼在以上治疗后采用泪道探通术。结论：先天性泪囊膨出有典型的临床表现,新生儿科及眼科医生可早期发现,多合并胎儿先天性泪道阻塞,多转归成急性泪囊炎,出生后应积极治疗避免并发症出现。     

Endoscopy of the lacrimal system

BACKGROUND/AIM: Until recently, diagnosis of disorders of the lacrimal system has depended on digital dacryocystography and on clinical examinations such as the fluorescein dye test, lacrimal probing, and irrigation. The lacrimal system and its mucous membranes can now be viewed directly with a lacrimal endoscope. While the first endoscopes were rigid and limited by poor picture quality in axial illuminations, the new generation of endoscopes are a great leap forward for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. METHODS: 132 patients ranging in age from 8 months to 73 years with nasolacrimal obstruction were referred to the lacrimal department. Diagnostic lacrimal imaging utilising various small calibre endoscopes less than 0.5 mm in external diameter was performed. The endoscopes are coupled to specially designed lacrimal probes as well as a CCD camera and a video recorder. The imaging was performed during standard lacrimal probing and irrigation in an outpatient clinic setting in 120 of 132 patients RESULTS: All patients reported the pain of endoscopy as being similar to that of standard lacrimal probing and irrigation. No adverse effects such as bleeding or lacrimal perforation were noted. Endoscopic manipulation was not too difficult and the picture quality, depth of focus, and illumination were satisfactory in all cases. The most common site of stenosis was the nasolacrimal duct (59 patients), followed by the lacrimal sac (39 patients) and the canaliculi (34 patients). In 25 patients, partial obstruction, rather than complete stenosis, was visualised as a narrow lumen, which widened during irrigation. In 14 of 28 patients, obstruction was due to canalicular submucosal folds and was removed with laser. In addition, the colour and consistency of the lining mucosa correlated with type of obstruction. Normal mucosa is smooth and light pink in colour. Inflammatory changes manifest as thickened and reddish grey mucosa. More complete stenosis is shown as fibrotic plaques with grey white inelastic membranes. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal endoscopy is a new, non-invasive method used to view directly and localise obstructions precisely. It allows differentiation between inflammatory, partial, and complete stenosis. Endoscopy enables one to choose the appropriate surgical therapy for patients. Patients tolerated the procedure well without any adverse reactions or effects. While it may not replace standard probing and irrigation, this technique is an extremely useful adjunct in determining the proper surgical modality, ease, and tolerance of the endoscopic manipulation by patients, and obtaining sharp and clear images of the nasolacrimal outflow system anatomy and pathology. Differentiation of various types of obstruction by precise location and severity can be achieved.     

The value of nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE To determine the value of office nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS A prospective clinical observational study of consecutive adult patients after primary external or endonasal surgical DCR, both with intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Nasal endoscopy was used at the time of tube retrieval and six months after surgery to evaluate nasal pathology and ostium function. RESULTS Sixteen patients were examined. 5/16 (31%) had surgically induced nasal synaechiae; in 2/5 patients transnasal synaechiae occluded the ostium. Granuloma adjacent to the ostia in 2/16 (12.5%) did not impair function. There was no difference in the incidence of synaechiae or granuloma after endonasal compared to external DCR. In 3/16 (19%) endoscopy aided retrieval of tubes concealed by transnasal synaechiae or a narrow nasal space. Six months after surgery ostium function was positive in 12/16 (75%) using the functional endoscopic dye test; 13/16 (81%) patients had relief of epiphora with patent syringing; one had an alternative drainage route. CONCLUSIONS Nasal endoscopy after DCR i) identifies surgically induced nasal mucosal pathology, ii) assists in difficult retrieval of tubes and iii) assesses ostium function using the functional endoscopic dye test. The information obtained is adding much to our understanding of the effects of DCR at the lacrimal / sinus / nasal interface.     

The value of nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE To determine the value of office nasal endoscopy after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS A prospective clinical observational study of consecutive adult patients after primary external or endonasal surgical DCR, both with intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Nasal endoscopy was used at the time of tube retrieval and six months after surgery to evaluate nasal pathology and ostium function. RESULTS Sixteen patients were examined. 5/16 (31%) had surgically induced nasal synaechiae; in 2/5 patients transnasal synaechiae occluded the ostium. Granuloma adjacent to the ostia in 2/16 (12.5%) did not impair function. There was no difference in the incidence of synaechiae or granuloma after endonasal compared to external DCR. In 3/16 (19%) endoscopy aided retrieval of tubes concealed by transnasal synaechiae or a narrow nasal space. Six months after surgery ostium function was positive in 12/16 (75%) using the functional endoscopic dye test; 13/16 (81%) patients had relief of epiphora with patent syringing; one had an alternative drainage route. CONCLUSIONS Nasal endoscopy after DCR i) identifies surgically induced nasal mucosal pathology, ii) assists in difficult retrieval of tubes and iii) assesses ostium function using the functional endoscopic dye test. The information obtained is adding much to our understanding of the effects of DCR at the lacrimal / sinus / nasal interface.     

Interdisziplinäre Spezialdiagnostik bei Stenosen und Verschlüssen der ableitenden Tränenwege

The ophthalmologist is the primary consultant for patients with disorders of the lacrimal duct. The basic examination includes inspection and slit-lamp microscopy of the ocular surface and its adnexa as well as irrigation of the lacrimal pathway. For further treatment, interdisciplinary examination methods offer precise diagnostic findings. Good cooperation among ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists, and radiologists can be highly beneficial for the patient. Rhinogenic causes of lacrimal obstruction can be found by rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy. Further information is gained by radiologic imaging, which offers dynamic pictures and a good overview of the lacrimal system and neighbouring structures. Lacrimal endoscopy allows direct viewing of the causes of stenosis. These precise and complete diagnostics make consultation easier, especially regarding new minimally invasive surgical techniques.     

Agger nasi cell mucosal autograft for lacrimal sac reconstruction during endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

A mucosal autograft composed of agger nasi cell mucosa was used to reconstruct the lacrimal sac mucosa in a young woman with a cicatrised lacrimal sac and obstructed nasolacrimal system. The patient had undergone a previous external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), dacryocystectomy and revision mechanical endonasal DCR. There was persistent epiphora and at further mechanical endonasal (MEN) DCR it was noted that only a small cuff of lacrimal sac mucosa around the common canaliculus was present. To achieve a mucosal anastomosis, the agger nasi cell mucosa was removed from the cell and placed as a free mucosal graft around the common canalicular opening. Apposition with the nasal mucosa was completed with flaps from the lateral nasal wall mucosa. Postoperatively, the patient is asymptomatic with a freely draining ostium at 18 months of follow-up.