Multi-disciplinary management of paediatric nasolacrimal duct
obstruction at a tertiary hospital: A 5-year review
Abstract
Introduction: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is the most common
cause of childhood epiphora. Congenital NLDO is usually conservatively
management in the first year of life, failing which surgical
interventions such as syringing and probing (S&P), insertion of stents
(intubation) or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) are offered in a stepwise
manner. Methods: This is a retrospective study at a tertiary paediatric
hospital. Nasolacrimal surgeries were retrieved from Hospital Episodes
Statistics (HES) data for a 5-year period between May 2017 to April
2022. Retrospective case note review was undertaken looking into
demographics, presentation, surgical interventions, and outcomes
(resolved, partially resolved or persistent). Results: In our
institution, NLDO surgeries are performed on a joint ophthalmology/ENT
list. A total of 301 procedures were performed on 218 patients (293
eyes). Causes for epiphora were Congenital NLDO (n=193, 88.5%),
Secondary NLDO (n=10, 4.6%), Dacryocystitis/Mucocele (n=8, 3.67%)
among others. Median age at first procedure was 26 months (range 2-189).
Median number of procedures for congenital NLDO is 1(range 1-5).
Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved by syringing and probing in
133 cases (73%), intubation in 23 cases (78%) and DCR in 7
cases(58.3%). Patients with craniofacial syndromes required a
statistically significant higher number of DCRs. Overall, epiphora was
completed resolved in 81% cases, 6.3% partially resolved and is
persistent in 12.7%. Conclusion: Multi-disciplinary approach to NLDO
ensured efficient delivery of care by minimising number of procedures
and hospital attendance. Congenital NLDO can be successfully treated in
vast majority of cases with S&P and intubation. In cases with
anatomical abnormalities, DCR should be considered early.