Abstract

Aim: To present our results of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) operations in pediatric patients with distal nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Material and Methods: This study included 6 pediatric patients (3 boys, 3 girls) with distal nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent external DCR. The median age was 9.0 years (range 4-14). All patients had a large hydrops lacrimal sac in lipiodol dacryocysrography. The patients underwent U-flap DCR and only anterior mucosal flaps were formed. Surgical success was accepted as the absence of epiphora and open lacrimal passage with irrigation.
Results: The patients were examined at 1st week and 1, 3, 6. and 12 months. The cases were followed for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 24 months (mean follow up was 13.8 months). All nasolacrimal ducts were open with irrigation at all control. Surgical success was 100% (6/6). No severe intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred in any case.
Conclusion: DCR was concluded as a successful surgical procedure for the pediatric age group in appropriate cases.
Key Words: Pediatric Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction; External Dacryocystorhinostomy.