Ballon dacryocystoplasty (DCP) for treatment of pediatric patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed primary probing

To determine the efficiency of lacrimal balloon catheter dilatation to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children who had failed two lacrimal system probings. Between October 2004 and June 2006 we performed a prospective study of balloon catheter dilatation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in 30 lacrimal systems. The mean age was 32.4 months (range 18-72 months). The patients were divided into 3 types of obstructions: partial, proximal and simple membranous at the valve of Hasner and into 2 age categories: category 1 (18-36 months) and category 2 (> 36 months). The patients were evaluated 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after balloon catheter dilatation, with Munk's score and ophthalmic evaluation using a dye disappearance test being assessed. Clinical patency was defined as a complete resolution of signs and symptoms (Munk 0) and a negative disappearance test (grade 0). We used the chi-squared test with Yates' correction for statistical analysis. The procedure was successful in 83.33% of the cases and there were no complications. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the 3 types of obstructions treated, and age at treatment did not affect the outcome. DCP is a safe, effective therapy, easy and fast to perform and should be used in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failure of two lacrimal system probings.