Factors Predictive of Success in Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

PURPOSE

To report the success rate of children undergoing probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and the factors relating to the failure of the procedure.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included 88 eyes of 62 patients, aged 1 to 138 months, who underwent probing between January 2008 and December 2014 in the Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit of Centro Hospitalar São João. The procedure was performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Surgical success was defined as successful lacrimal irrigation in-traoperatively and resolution of epiphora at the follow-up visit 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

The overall success rate after first probing was 77.3% (68 of 88 eyes). No differences were found regarding age (P = .546), gender (P = .740), surgical experience (P = .611), or laterality (P = .328) between children who were cured and not cured. The surgical success rate decreased in children older than 4 years, although not to a statistically significant degree (P = .190). Surgical success after second probing was 85.7% (12 of 14 eyes), and the median interval between the two procedures was 3 months (range: 2 to 54 months). In 30% (7 of 20 eyes, 4 of 13 patients) of children with persistent obstruction, otorhinolaryngology evaluation evinced an adenoid hypertrophy requiring surgical correction.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rate of nasolacrimal probing for CNLDO was not related to age, gender, laterality, or the surgeon's experience. Otorhinolaryngology evaluation is recommended for unresponsive patients. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(2):123-127.].

Conjunctival cicatrizing disease presenting with lacrimal obstruction

Patients with conjunctival cicatrizing disease may develop lacrimal obstruction. Little is published on lacrimal obstruction as the presenting feature of otherwise asymptomatic cicatrizing conjunctival disease. The records of all patients presenting between 1994 and 2015 with lacrimal obstruction found to have cicatrizing conjunctival disease were reviewed. Demographic details, clinical findings, disease progression and treatment were analyzed. Thirty-five patients (25 female), aged 43-91 years (median 74, mean 71.3 years) had epiphora and a mild conjunctival cicatrizing process. Nine patients had onset of epiphora after cataract surgery. All except one patient had obstruction of the proximal lacrimal system (punctum and/or canaliculus). In 14 cases, the obstruction was unilateral (both puncta or canaliculi), with one progressing to bilateral obstruction after 11 years. In 19, all 4 puncta or canaliculi were obstructed. Two patients had unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction; one developed contralateral canalicular obstruction 2 years later. Conjunctival biopsies were obtained in 19 of 35 cases (54%), and OCP immunohistochemistry was positive in 7/19 (37%). All other biopsies showed chronic inflammation. Two patients had lichen planus. In follow-up (range 0.1-11 years, mean 3.2 years), 2 patients' conjunctival disease progressed mildly, and 3 progressed moderately, with 2 of these 5 having positive OCP immunohistochemistry, and 1 having lichen planus. Patients with conjunctival cicatrization may present with lacrimal obstruction, usually punctal or canalicular. Conjunctival disease is usually mild and non-progressive, but patients should be monitored for disease progression.

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): a comparative study between powered and non-powered technique

BACKGROUND

Dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) is an operation used to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Essentially there are two approaches: external and endoscopic. Several modalities are used in endoscopic DCR; all aiming to improve success rate, reduce complications, and shorten operative time. Both kerrison punch and drill are widely used in endoscopic DCR with non-conclusive knowledge about differences in operative details as well as on the outcome. The aim of this study is to compare between powered (drill) and non-powered (kerrison punch) DCR to clarify the superiority of one over the other.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 59 patients who underwent endoscopic DCR procedure at our institution from June 2013 until July 2014 (34 kerrison punch and 32 powered drill). Operative details, surgical outcome and complications were compared between both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 66 endoscopic DCRs were performed on 59 patients. Procedure success rate among kerrison punch group was 87.88% vs. 90.9% in powered drill group (p = 0.827), while complications for both groups were statistical not significant (p = 0.91). The mean operating time among kerrison punch group was significantly lower than in powered drill group (75 min vs. 125 min, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Kerrison punch showed significant reduction in operating time when compared to powered drill for endoscopic DCR. No statistically significant difference was found between both groups regarding procedures' success rate and complication.

Combined Lacrimal Passage Probing and Tobramycin/Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Ointment Infiltration: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure for Incomplete Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

The optimal treatment strategy for an incomplete nasolacrimal duct obstruction (INDO) is still being debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment results of combined lacrimal passage probing and tobramycin/dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment infiltration (PIO, Probing and Injection) for INDO.In this retrospective, noncomparative case series, 397 consecutive adult patients with INDO treated at Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital were enrolled. Records of the patients were reviewed. With the help of a modified 23-gauge lacrimal cannula, the PIO surgery was performed for the INDO-identified patients. The main outcome measures were resolution of tearing and complications. The relationship between successful outcome and clinical characteristics was analyzed.The surgery was performed successfully in all of the enrolled cases. No intraoperative complications were found in the procedure. The average follow-up time was 7.9 months. Three hundred patients (75.6%) experienced complete resolution of their symptoms after the surgery. Ninety-seven patients (24.4%) showed a partial improvement (1.8%), no improvement (18.4%), or a worsening of symptoms (4.3%). Of the 97 surgical-failure patients, 90 required silicone intubation or external dacryocystorhinostomy, and 94% were finally resolved. The most common postoperative complications were mild nasal bleeding in 41 patients, drug residues in 12 patients (6 developed the complete obstruction), and a slit punctum in 8 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that unilateral eye onset, not having a discharge at baseline, and not having postoperative drug residues were significant factors determining successful outcome.The PIO surgery is an effective, safe, timesaving, easy-to-perform, and minimally invasive technique for treating INDO.

The Frequency of Concomitant Adjunctive Nasal Procedures in Powered Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE

To assess the frequency of concomitant adjunctive nasal procedures performed in powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

METHODS

Retrospective review of 269 consecutive powered endoscopic DCR's performed in 202 patients over a period of 10 years from 2003 to 2013. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical profiles and surgical notes. Concomitant adjunctive procedures were studied with relation to number of patients, indications, types of procedures (septoplasty, middle turbinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS) and complications.

RESULTS

269 powered endoscopic DCR's were performed on 202 patients. The mean age at surgery was 58.4 years (range 20-91 years). Adjunctive nasal procedures were performed in 53.4% (108/202) of the patients. 47% (95/202) required a septoplasty. Among the 95 septoplasty patients, 85 required solo septoplasty and 10 had additional sinus procedure. Middle turbinoplasty was performed in 5.9% (12/202) and septal papilloma excision was performed in 0.49% (1/202). No additional morbidity was noticed with adjunctive procedures. Successful outcomes of DCR were achieved in 96.5% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous adjunctive nasal procedures were commonly required with powered endoscopic DCR. Septoplasty and middle turbinoplasty when performed as needed, provides an additional access to lacrimal region and may facilitate successful outcomes.

Ophthalmic manifestations of cherubism

Cherubism is a rare craniofacial disorder characterized by progressive replacement of mandibular and maxillary bone with multicystic fibro-osseous tissue, potentially resulting in significant deformity and morbidity. The severity of the disorder is variable; more advanced disease may affect the orbit and impact vision. We detail the ophthalmological findings in 2 patients, 7 and 8 years of age, with cherubism.

Unusual manifestations of ectodermal dysplasia-syndactyly syndrome type I in two Yemeni siblings

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a group of genodermatoses characterized by malformations of tissues derived from the ectoderm, including the skin, its appendages (hair, nails, sweat glands), teeth, and the breasts. Ectodermal dysplasia syndactyly syndrome (EDSS) is a rare, newly described type of ED involving syndactyly. We report 2 Yemeni siblings with typical EDSS manifestations, including bilateral, partial cutaneous syndactyly of the fingers and toes; sparse, coarse, brittle scalp hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes; and conical, widely spaced teeth with enamel notches. In addition, the siblings presented with other features hitherto not described for this syndrome, such as adermatoglyphia, onychogryphosis, hypoplastic widely spaced nipples, hypoplastic thumbs, and red scalp hair.

[Minimally invasive surgery for dacryostenosis: modern trends]

The article presents the results of a monocentric randomized open prospective study conducted from 2008 to 2013. Lacrimal intubation with Mini-Monoka and Monoka silicone stents (mono- or bicanalicular) or with SRS and Ritleng ("FCI", France) stents for dacryostenosis of different localization was performed in 151 patients (203 eyes). The follow-up period was 12 months after the extubation. Patient examination and monitoring included collection of subjective Munk scores for epiphora, lacrimal scintigraphy and bulbar hyperemia evaluation. Though all interventions were proved to be effective, the authors came to the conclusion that, bicanalicular Mini-Monoka and Monoka stents were associated with fewer complications as compared with bicanalicular SRS and Ritleng stents.

Associated factors of functional failure of external dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and associated factors of functional failure of anatomically patent external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four consecutive patients who underwent external DCR at the oculoplasty clinic in the Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital between December 2008 and July 2009.

METHODS

All patients underwent external DCR for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The silicone tubes were removed around 6 months after the DCRs, and patients were examined 1 month after tube removal. Anatomical patency was evaluated by a nasal endoscopic dye test and lacrimal syringing test. Tearing symptoms were evaluated using Munk's scoring system. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of epiphora symptom; a functional success and functional failure group, and the incidence of functional failure were calculated. Potential associated factors were also compared between 2 groups.

RESULTS

This study involved 50 eyes of 34 patients, and 8 eyes of 6 patients showed significant epiphora in spite of anatomical patency (16% functional failure). We compared associated factors between 42 functionally successful and 8 functionally failed DCRs. Among variables studied, demographic factors and intraoperative surgical findings were not statistically different between the 2 groups. With respect to intranasal endoscopic findings, the shape of the rhinostomy showed significant differences between the 2 groups (p = 0.03, Fisher's exact test). In the functional failure group, there were no flat shape rhinostomies. Three showed alcove shape rhinostomies, and the other 5 showed cavern shape rhinostomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Among anatomically patent DCRs, the incidence of persistent epiphora was 16%. The shape of rhinostomy is a possible associated factor for functional failure after external DCR.

Bloody tears and recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to a retained silicone stent

A 6-year-old girl with a history of bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction presented with recurrent tearing, discharge, and bloody tears from the right eye. The patient had a history of multiple prior probing and stenting procedures on the right nasolacrimal system. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinotomy revealed a retained portion of a prior stent and accompanying pyogenic granuloma, removal of which resolved her symptoms.

Validation of a symptom-score questionnaire and long- term results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is a commonly used procedure in the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). However, there is no generally accepted disease-specific questionnaire for assessing outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a prospective study to initially validate a Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Symptom Score questionnaire(NLDO-SS) and to evaluate the long-term success of EN-DCR procedures. Seventy-six patients (86 eyes) were evaluated in follow-up visits at 1-8 years after EN-DCR. The patients completed the NLDO-SS questionnaire twice, first, at home and, second,after receiving information from the otorhinolaryngologist, during the visit. The surgical outcome was considered successful if the irrigation succeeded and if the patient symptoms were relieved as assessed with the NLDO-SS.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of the NLDO-SS was 84%, sensitivity 82%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 58%, negative predictive value 95%, odds ratio 26, risk ratio 11 and usefulness index 0.55. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.87. The long-term success rate after EN-DCR was 79%.

CONCLUSION

The NLDO-SS iss a feasible clinical tool in assessing the success of EN-DCR. The success rate was found to decrease EN-DCR at long-term follow-up.

[Spontaneous resolving rate of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and success rate of late probing after age 18 months: historical cohort study]

PURPOSE

To determine the spontaneous resolving rate of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO) and the success rate of late probing after age 18 months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-center, historical cohort study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of infants less than 18 months of age who were diagnosed with CNDO and referred to the Department of Ocular Plastic & Orbital Surgery of the Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital in Japan. We conservatively observed them up to the age of 18 months. We performed late probing for CNDO in the patients 18 months of age or older using lacrimal endoscopy.

RESULTS

Eighty-two obstructed nasolacrimal ducts of 72 patients with a mean age of 8.6 +/- 5.4 months were included. Twenty-five lacrimal ducts (31%) had a history of early probing in other hospitals. The spontaneous resolving rate was 42 (51%) at 12 months, and 64 (78%) at 18 months of age. There was no significant difference in spontaneous resolving rate between the existence and absence of early probing. Nine lacrimal ducts (11%) were treated with late probing with silicone tube intubation after age 18 months, and all were cured.

CONCLUSIONS

The spontaneous resolving rate of CNDO either with or without early probing history was about 80% at 18 months of age with conservative medical management. Late probing with tube intubation after age 18 months had a high success rate.

Pediatric endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a relatively common problem among children. Although spontaneous resolution is possible and various conservative treatment options are available, dacryocystorhinostomy is recommended for persistent epiphora. The aim of this study was to report our experience of performing 83 procedures of pediatric endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 71 children who underwent endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy between 2000 and 2011. Thirteen of these children had bilateral procedures. The diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction was based on the presence of eye discharge, the patient's history obtained from his or her parents and the results of testing the patency of the nasolacrimal canal by irrigating the lacrimal sac. The procedure was considered to be successful if the patient's eye discharge was completely resolved and the dacryocystorhinostomy ostium was patent at end of the postoperative first year.

RESULTS

Eighty-three dacrycystorhinostomy procedures were performed in 71 children. There were 35 (49.3%) male and 36 (50.7%) female patients. The age of the patients ranged between 11 months and 14 years, with a mean of 8.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.1 months (range of 14-84 months). The overall success rate for primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy was 92.7%. No major complications were encountered in any of the surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is a safe and effective procedure to correct nasolacrimal system obstruction in cases that are unresponsive to conservative treatments. It has a high success rate and a low incidence of complications.

In-Office Jones tube exchange using the Seldinger technique

Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with Jones tube placement is usually performed as a primary procedure for severe stenosis or obstruction of both upper and lower canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage pathway, or occasionally, after unsuccessful dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Jones tube obstruction is quite common, and often requires removal of the obstructed tube and replacement or exchange of the tube in the operating room. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and is associated with the risks of general anesthesia, a significant investment of time, and the cost of the operating suite. Recently, there has been a movement toward in-office procedures in otolaryngology and ophthalmology due to greater patient satisfaction and savings in time and money for patients and physicians. In this report, we describe a novel in-office method to exchange an obstructed Jones tube that provides the aforementioned benefits while preserving patient comfort. No similar case has been previously reported in the literature.

Resolution of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with nonsurgical management

OBJECTIVE

To determine how often nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) resolves with 6 months of nonsurgical management in infants aged 6 to less than 10 months.

METHODS

As part of a randomized trial evaluating the cost-effectiveness of immediate office probing vs observation with deferred probing for unresolved cases, 107 infants aged 6 to less than 10 months who had NLDO and no history of nasolacrimal duct surgery were prescribed 6 months of nasolacrimal duct massage and topical antibiotics as needed. Resolution of the NLDO was assessed 6 months after study entry and was defined as the absence of all clinical signs of NLDO (epiphora, increased tear lake, or mucous discharge) and not having undergone NLDO surgery. Exploratory analyses assessed whether baseline characteristics, including age, sex, laterality, and prior treatment, were associated with the probability of NLDO resolving without surgery.

RESULTS

At the 6-month examination, which was completed for 117 of the 133 eyes (88%), the NLDO had resolved without surgery in 77 eyes (66% [95% CI, 56%-74%]). None of the baseline characteristics we evaluated were found to be associated with resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants 6 to less than 10 months of age, more than half of eyes with NLDO will resolve within 6 months with nonsurgical management. Knowledge of the rate of NLDO resolution in infancy without surgery will help clinicians and parents effectively discuss treatment options.

Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft lip-palate (EEC) syndrome without clefting: a rare case report

Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal dysplasia, and Cleft lip-cleft palate (EEC) syndrome is a rare ectodermal dysplasia presenting with various combinations of its three components. It is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression and penetrance. Patients have features of ectodermal abnormalities and a split hand/foot deformity of the limbs. We report a case of this rare disorder in a 40-year-old male who had ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, but no clefting of lips or palate.

Chronic inflammation: a poor prognostic factor for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) success can be affected by many factors. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of chronic inflammation on the surgical outcome of En-DCR. A series of 25 primary En-DCR cases and their lacrimal sac specimens were involved in the study. The surgical outcomes were assessed subjectively (satisfied and unsatisfied) and objectively (successful and unsuccessful). All the specimens were examined for the chronic inflammation related histopathological features (inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and capillary proliferation) and graded according to their severity. Moreover, a "chronic inflammation score" was established to determine the intensity of chronic inflammation using the grade of histopathological features. A quantitative and statistical analysis of histopathological features and chronic inflammation were performed between patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory outcome; and patients with successful and unsuccessful outcome. The overall success rate according to subjective and objective assessment was 60%. However, 9 of 10 patients with unsatisfactory and/or unsuccessful outcome (90%) had severe chronic inflammation of lacrimal sac. In subjective assessment, inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.050), fibrosis (p = 0.037), capillary proliferation (p = 0.007) and chronic inflammation (p = 0.003) had a statistically significant difference between patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory outcome. In objective assessment, statistically significant differences were detected between patients with successful and unsuccessful outcome when they compared according to inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.027), capillary proliferation (p = 0.007) and chronic inflammation (p = 0.003). Chronic inflammation related histopathological features of variable degree may have a role on En-DCR outcome. Chronic inflammatory score can be used as an indicator of En-DCR success.

Vision-related quality of life in patients undergoing silicone tube intubation for lacrimal passage obstructions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes in vision-related quality of life in patients with lacrimal passage obstructions undergoing silicone tube intubations.

DESIGN

Prospective, consecutive, comparative, interventional case series.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with the chief complaint of epiphora diagnosed with complete and unilateral lacrimal passage obstructions were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included history of congenital nasolacrimal stenosis; lacrimal passage obstructions resulting from trauma, tumor, or chemotherapy; previous lacrimal passage surgery; and partial and functional nasolacrimal duct obstructions. Silicone tube intubation using a Nunchaku-style tube was performed under direct visualization with dacryoendoscope in all patients. Operations were considered as successful when the irrigating fluid could pass through the lacrimal passage and the disappearance of dye was observed in dye disappearance test and the patients' epiphora symptoms improved 3 months postoperatively. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was self-administered in all patients preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Patients' preoperative and 3-months-postoperative NEI VFQ-25 scores were compared.

RESULTS

Operations were successful in 40 patients (89%). Fully completed questionnaires were received from 32 patients (80%). Silicone tube intubation using a Nunchaku-style tube was associated with a significant improvement of the NEI VFQ-25 composite score (P = .0001), ocular pain score (P < .0001), and mental health score (P = .0003).

CONCLUSION

Relief of epiphora by silicone tube intubation using a Nunchaku-style tube treatment significantly improved the vision-related quality of life in patients with lacrimal passage obstructions.

The role of mucosal flaps in external dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE

To determine whether a mucosal anastomosis fashioned at the time of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) influences postoperative outcome.

METHODS

The clinical records of all patients who underwent external DCR at Sydney Eye Hospital between May 2000 and August 2007 were reviewed. Data were collected in regards to surgical technique, clinical outcomes and postoperative management. Chi-square statistical analysis was done to determine the significance of the different flap techniques on surgical success.

RESULTS

A total of 260 medical records were reviewed. The main outcome measure was postoperative resolution of symptoms. The mean final follow-up time was 11 months. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome between patients who had both anterior and posterior flaps sutured, compared to those who had anterior flap sutures only (73% vs 79%, p = 0.51). Patients who had no sutured flaps had an overall success rate of 89% compared to those that had at least the anterior flaps sutured together (76%); this difference was not significant (p = 0.45).

CONCLUSION

There was no statistical difference in symptom outcome between patients in whom both mucosal flaps were sutured, those who had only the anterior flap sutured, or those who did not have either flap sutured at the time of surgery.