Abstract Listings 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of probing and bicanalicular intubation (BCI) for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than three years of age and to identify the factors that affect success.

Methods

A total of 116 eyes of 95 children (53 boys, 42 girls) with CNLDO who underwent probing and/or bicanalicular intubation between January 2014 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Anatomical success was defined as normal fluorescein dye disappearance test and functional success was defined as improvement of lacrimal symptoms and signs.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 4.57 ± 1.977 years (3-14). The mean silicone tube removal and follow-up duration was 2.17 ± 1.48 and 14.44 ± 16.46 months, respectively. A total of 91 eyes underwent primary probing and/or bicanalicular intubation. Of these, 13 eyes underwent only probing, while 78 eyes underwent probing and bicanalicular intubation. The success rate for these 91 eyes was 89% (81/91). Following a second surgical procedure in 10 failed eyes, the success rate increased to 97%. In total, 25 eyes with a history of at least one surgical procedure before the age of three years demonstrated a success rate of 80% (20/25). These included four eyes with a history of probing and bicanalicular intubation, five eyes with a history of probing twice, and 16 eyes with a history of probing once. Following repeat probing and bicanalicular intubation in five failed eyes, the success rate was 96%. There was no statistically significant correlation between age and success rate.

Conclusion

The BCI has a high success rate in the treatment of CNLDO in children aged between three and 14 years. In patients with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction, probing and bicanalicular intubation should be considered as a potential treatment option before dacryocystorhinostomy, even in cases where the patient is of advanced age.

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