Mahmood Saeed, Zia Ghaffar, Fouzia Farhat, Nisar Ahmed.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants: a simple technique of silicon intubation.
J Sheikh Zayed Med Coll Jan ;2(1):144-7.

Background: The obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct leads to the blockage of lacrimal drainage. Congenital duct obstruction occurs in approximately 5% of normal newborn infants. There are many surgical techniques for its management. Objective: To study the efficacy of a new technique in the management of childhood nasolacrimal duct obstruction epiphora. Subjects and Method: Quasi experimental, interventional study, conducted from December 2001 to December 2008 at Eye department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi and Eye Department Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan. Fifty children between one to three years of age with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction, in which at least previous one probing was done not less than three months back, were registered. Silicon intubation was done under general anaesthesia. Results: Forty (80%) cases were cured by the intubation in six months to one year follow up. Recurrent infection was noted in ten (20%) cases, which was managed medically. The severity of infection was much less than the one before intubation. All of the ten cases were planned for future dacryocystorhinostomy. Only a few treatable or insignificant complications were noted. Conclusion: This simple, easy and cost-effective technique of silicon intubation in nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be done in any operation theatre with general anaesthesia facilities.

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