Epiphora associated with anomalies of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct in children over 12 months: endoscopic findings and treatment.

[PURPOSE] Congenital epiphora can be related to anomalies of the nasolacrimal duct. This study aimed to assess the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct and the outcomes of endoscopic treatment in children older than 12 months with congenital epiphora.

[METHODS] This retrospective analysis describes the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of symptomatic congenital lacrimal obstruction in 32 lacrimal systems of 23 children. Data was collected on the preoperative symptoms, age at the time of surgery, intraoperative findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the children in our cohort. All patients underwent a standard endoscopic lacrimal examination, including irrigation and diagnostic probing, viewed via the inferior meatus. Cases with complex anomalies characterized by obstructions in the canaliculi, nasolacrimal junction, or nasolacrimal duct were excluded.

[RESULTS] The mean age at the time of surgery was 48.03 (±27.99) months. Four different types of distal nasolacrimal duct obstruction were diagnosed. These were obstructions by a membrane (n=12), ostium stenosis (n=15), impacted turbinate (n=3), and membranous residual flaps (n=2). They were all managed with inferior meatus microsurgery and nasal endoscopic probing without silicone intubation. After a mean follow-up period of 14.75 (±11.93) months, successful outcomes were achieved in all cases.

[CONCLUSION] Microsurgery to the inferior meatus, performed under nasal endoscopy, is a safe and effective treatment for isolated anomalies of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct in children older than 12 months. We do not recommend silicone intubation in the absence of complex lacrimal system anomalies.