Limited Approach in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy of Pediatrics

BACKGROUND: Limited spatial nasal cavity in children, make pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) a difficult surgical procedure. We apply a limited approach to pediatric DCR and follow them for their consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was done in pediatric DCR with limited approach (age < 14-year-old). After written consent, with general anesthesia, with nasal endoscopic surgery, lacrimal bone is exposed and extruded. In contrast with routine procedure, ascending process of maxillary sinus reserve; and marsupialization and wide exposure to lacrimal sac was done only by lacrimal bone defect; and cannulation preserve with temporary silicone tube. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2012, 16 pediatric DCR was done by a unique surgeon in 2 otorhinolaryngologic centers. Before surgery 14 (87.5%) had epiphora, 3 (18.8%) had eye discharge, and 3 (18.8%) had eye sticky eye. Two (12.5%) had history of facial trauma, and 10 (62.5%) had congenital nasolacrimal duct insufficiency. Five (31.3%) had history of dacryocystitis. Patients were followed for 17 ± 9 months. Silicone tube stayed for 4 ± 2.5 months. We could follow 7 patients and minimal improvement or need to revision surgery considered as technical failure. After surgery, 3 patients had no epiphora with complete improvement; 2 had very good improvement with confidence of the patients and parents; 2 cases had unsuccessful surgery in our patients, who needs to another surgery. One of them had several probing and surgery before our endoscopic DCR. CONCLUSIONS: Limited approach in endoscopic DCR of pediatrics can be done in noncomplicated patients, with minimal manipulation, more confidence, and acceptable results.