[Treatment of the congenital obstruction of the lachrymal duct, by means of balloon catheter, monocanalicular intubation, and endoscopic control].
OBJECTIVE
Congenital lachrymal obstruction is a frequent motive of consultation. Endoscopic control in the inferior meatus of the nostril allows to realize surgical controlled procedures. The aim of the study is to analyze the result obtained in the treatment of congenital obstruction of the lachrymal duct by monocanalicular intubation with Monoka and endoscopic control in children who had failed two lachrymal system probings.


METHODS
Between October 2004 and September 2008 this technique was performed in a prospective study on 36 patients with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction who had failed two lachrymal system probings. The mean age was 36.2 months (range 12-66 months). Patients were followed at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, with clinical evaluation by Munk's score and ophthalmologic exam using dye disappearance test. Success was defined as complete resolution of signs and symptoms (Munk 0) and no fluorescein remaining in dye disappearance test (grade 0).


RESULTS
The procedure was successful in 91.66% of the cases and acceptable in 8.33%. We have not found any complication or side effects, and not further procedures have been needed on any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon dachryoplasty with monocanalicular intubation under endoscopic control is a safe, easy to perform and effective surgical technique for the treatment of congenital lachrymal obstruction with two previous failed lachrymal system probings.
Alañón Fernández
Miguel Angel
MA
Instituto Internacional de Vías Nasolagrimales, Jaén, España. miguelaaf@msn.com
Alañón Fernández
Félix
F
Martínez Fernández
Asunción
A
Cárdenas Lara
Manuela
M
D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000151:congenital; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D019793:Fluorescein