Outcomes and comparison of nasolacrimal probing for patients older than 12 months

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we report the results of probing done in our clinic. We also want investigate role of late probing on outcome, especially in children older than 24 and 48 months. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated records of patients who underwent probing under general anaesthesia due to congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction between 2013 and 2017 in Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University Faculty of Medicine in Nigde, Turkey. Success rates of probing for different age groups were compared. RESULTS: 143 eyes of 123 patients were included in the study. Overall success rate was 93.7% (134 eyes out of 143). We found the success rate as 95.5 in 12–18 months age group, 93.3% in 18–24 months age group, 93.8% in the 24–48 months age group, 86.6% in the 48 months and older age group. Overall success rate in 24 months and older age group was 91.5%. The second operation was performed on seven of the nine patients where the initial surgery failed, and successful results were achieved in six patients. Success rate was 100% after the second surgery in patients older than 48 months. CONCLUSION: The success rate of probing is high in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction from 12 to 84 months. In patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction who are older than 48 months probing is effective and should be first-choice in this age group in management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Probing may be used even in older patients who had previous unsuccessful probing.