Probing and irrigation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
R. M. Robb
I reviewed the results of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct
obstruction in a series of 107 patients, with special reference to age at
the time of probing. Relief of tearing and discharge was achieved in 90% of
patients with the first probing, and an additional 6% were cured after a
second probing. Altered nasolacrimal duct anatomy seemed to account for
probing failures rather than any delay in probing. Primary probing
continued to be an effective treatment well after 2 years of age and was
successful in two 5-year-old patients. Unsuccessful probings were usually
apparent at the time of the initial probing and were characterized by
difficulty passing the probe and subsequent inability to irrigate saline
through the nasolacrimal system into the nose. Dacryocystorhinostomy was an
effective secondary procedure in the few patients in whom probing was
unsuccessful.
