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Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:1123-1126 doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.069286
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

Management of childhood epiphora

  1. J E Marr1,
  2. A Drake-Lee2,
  3. H E Willshaw1
  1. 1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
  2. 2Deparment of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Mr H E Willshaw Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; harry.willshawbch.nhs.uk
  • Accepted 23 April 2005

Abstract

Aims: To examine the effectiveness of a management protocol for childhood epiphora using a joint ophthalmological and otolaryngological team approach.

Method: A temporally defined retrospective study of 70 children (92 eyes) undergoing surgery for persistent epiphora, despite two previous technically successful probing procedures. All the operations involved a joint approach involving a paediatric ophthalmologist and a paediatric otolaryngologist.

Results: In children with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction this joint approach yielded a 73% (89%) success rate, while in children with acquired nasolacrimal obstruction the success rate was 57%.

Conclusions: Endonasal nasolacrimal intubation and endonasal DCR are safe and effective procedures for the management of persistent epiphora in children. They avoid the need for overnight admission and carry a minimal complication rate.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none declared

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