[Analysis of the efficacy of early probing in the treatment of symptomatic congenital lacrimal duct obstruction in infants. Apropos of 92 cases].
BACKGROUND
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common clinical problem (5 to 6% of newborns). Dacryostenosis is a partial or complete block in the nasolacrimal duct.


METHODS
The records of 68 patients (92 cases) of NLDO with/without mucocele were reviewed. The probing was performed early and according to the same technique.


RESULTS
The age at the time of probing ranged from 0 to 7 months (mean 4.6 months). The cure rate was 91.3% and the failure rate was 8.70%.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results are consistent with other reports in the literature. The cure rate was higher with a earlier probing and was good after a second tentative of probing. A multiple obstruction of nasolacrimal system was cause of a failure. This was not the case with mucocele. The optimal timing of the probing is discussed in this report and we preferred to perform the probing to 4 at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
We showed a high cure rate with early probing in our series. These results should be confirmed by a prospective randomised study (in process in our institution).
Baggio
E
E
Clinique Ophtalmologique du pavillon C, Service du Professeur C. TREPSAT et Ph. DENIS, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Place d'Arsonval, 69003 Lyon, France.
Ruban
J M
JM
Sandon
K
K
D000367:Age Factors; D003607:Dacryocystitis / Q000601:surgery; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000151:congenital*; D009078:Mucocele / Q000601:surgery; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D013997:Time Factors