Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children

Abstract

Objective: To describe the indications, technique, and results of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children with congenital and acquired disorders of the nasolacrimal system.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Tertiary care hospital.

Patients: Four children ranging in age from 10 months to 6 years.

Intervention: Primary or revision endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy performed via a joint otolaryngologic-ophthalmologic team approach.

Main outcome measures: Incidence of surgical complications and postoperative clinical status.

Results: The duration of follow-up was 10 to 24 months with a successful clinical outcome in all 4 children. Two procedures were complicated by nasal vestibule skin abrasions secondary to rotation of the drill shaft.

Conclusions: Despite the technical challenges posed by the small anatomical dimensions of the pediatric nasal airway, the combination of proper otolaryngologic endoscopic instrumentation and ophthalmologic lacrimal sac transillumination guidance allows for the safe and successful performance of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in the pediatric population.