Management of childhood epiphora.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of a management protocol for childhood epiphora using a joint ophthalmological and otolaryngological team approach.


METHODS
A temporally defined retrospective study of 70 children (92 eyes) undergoing surgery for persistent epiphora, despite two previous technically successful probing procedures. All the operations involved a joint approach involving a paediatric ophthalmologist and a paediatric otolaryngologist.


RESULTS
In children with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction this joint approach yielded a 73% (89%) success rate, while in children with acquired nasolacrimal obstruction the success rate was 57%.


CONCLUSIONS
Endonasal nasolacrimal intubation and endonasal DCR are safe and effective procedures for the management of persistent epiphora in children. They avoid the need for overnight admission and carry a minimal complication rate.
Marr
J E
JE
Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK.
Drake-Lee
A
A
Willshaw
H E
HE
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome