The outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children: A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and discuss the published results about the application of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in treating children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.


METHODS
In October 2014 an appropriate string was run on PubMed to retrieve all relevant articles. A cross-check was performed by two of the authors on abstracts and full-text articles found using the selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. A non-comparative meta-analysis concerning the procedures' rate of success and failure was performed.


RESULTS
Fourteen studies were identified comprising a total of 346 subjects affected by nasolacrimal duct obstruction (unilateral or bilateral). Overall there were 393 surgical procedures, all performed with an exclusive endoscopic approach. The average length of follow-up was reported in twelve studies resulting 15.2 months and ranging from 3 to 27.1 months. On the basis of our statistical analysis the mean (95% CI) rate of failure was 0.14 (0.09-0.21). The mean (95% CI) rate of success resulted 0.87 (0.80-0.91).


CONCLUSIONS
Although in young patients the nasal anatomy is more complex and narrow than in adults our review showed as the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy allows similar results in terms of success compared to the external approach.
Otolaryngology Department, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy. Electronic address: giox83@hotmail.com.
Federico Maria
FM
Gioacchini
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy.
Matteo
M
Alicandri-Ciufelli
Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy.
Shaniko
S
Kaleci
Otolaryngology Department, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
Massimo
M
Re
D002648:Child; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Children; Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy; Epiphora; Lacrimal drainage; Nasolacrimal duct obstruction; Probing