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. 2005 Sep;89(9):1123-6.
doi: 10.1136/bjo.2005.069286.

Management of childhood epiphora

J E Marr  1 , A Drake-Lee, H E Willshaw
Affiliations

Management of childhood epiphora

J E Marr et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Sep.

Abstract

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

Method: 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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Surgical intervention and outcome—all cases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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