Pediatric Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy

This is a case series with chart review from 1997 to 2010 to determine results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children. Thirty-seven children underwent removal of the medial wall (RMW) of the lacrimal sac (LS) and 2 had lacrimal stents inserted because they had external fistulae and small cicatrized LS. Parameters of success were (1) resolution of epiphora, (2) no further attacks of dacryocystitis, and (3) patency of neofistula. Of the 37 (95%) children who had RMW of the LS, 34 (92%) were patent after 12 weeks and were considered successful. Three (8%) neofistulae obstructed within 2 weeks and needed revision, and 2 (5%) patients had small cicatrized LS along with fistula and were stented. The fistulae closed down in 4 weeks. However, when the stents were removed 6 weeks later, epiphora returned. The authors’ experience reveals that removal of the medial wall of the LS is effective in stopping chronic epiphora.