[Balloon dacryocystoplasty: interventional radiological therapy of congenital dacryostenosis].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of balloon dacryocystoplasty in the treatment of complicated development of connatal obstructed nasolacrimal duct system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dacryocystography under general anaesthesia was performed on 46 children with epiphora from birth and recurrent infection of the nasolacrimal duct system. 54 nasolacrimal ducts (8 children bilaterally) were treated with balloon catheter dilatation and antibiotic irrigation of the nasolacrimal sac. In all cases previous conservative treatment with eye drops and superficial massage of the lacrimal sac had failed. 11 children without clinical improvement were irrigated before catheter dilatation by an ophthalmologist. The ages ranged from 6 weeks to 7.5 years (mean 23.5 months). 39 dilatations were carried out as an out-patient procedure. The clinical results were confirmed by a questionnaire filled in by the parents.

RESULTS: 15 incomplete obstructions and 39 occlusions of the Hasner valve (n = 45) or of the nasolacrimal duct system (n = 9) were demonstrated with dacryocystography. Dilatation with a 2.5 mm ballon was successfully performed in all cases and the mean radiation time was 2.1 minutes. No relevant complications occurred. The mean follow up time was 18.4 months (3 - 41 months). 39 of 46 children showed no symptoms, 6 children seldomly experienced onset of epiphora. The symptoms did not improve in only one child. The cumulative clinical success rate is 98 %.

CONCLUSION: Following diagnostic dacryocystography, balloon catheter dilatation is a low risk and very successful treatment of complicated connatal obstructed nasolacrimal duct system.