Management of lacrimal duct obstruction in children by intubation with Monoka®: Initial experience at HCUCh

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (DNL) is frequent complaint in under a year. It is found in 6% of infants, the most often secondary to the persistence of a mucous membrane in the distal portion of the nasolacrimal duct (Hassner membrane). It usually occurs as pathological epifora present after the 3rd month of life. This obstruction can evolve spontaneously resolved the first 12 months of life, require complementary therapies or surgical treatment. Aim: To analyze where we have used the Monoka® probe in pediatric population op- erated in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, who consulted for pathological epiphora; verifying success rates, procedure complications and monitoring. Material and method: A retrospective descriptive study, which were included all patients with the diagnosis of pathological epiphora over 12 months old, who consulted in the HCUCH between July 2012 and March 2014, that required surgical resolution of their condition. Monocanalicular installation silicone catheter was used with the joint participation of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. Results: We had a total of 7 patients with a success rate of 85.7% (6) and 100% improvement over the initial symptoms. Only one patient presented an intraoperative complication, defined as failed intubation. The probe remained installed an average of 7.7 months and was removed without complications. Conclusions: The installation of Monoka® probe as surgical intervention to resolve the pathological epiphora is a simple, easily accessible and amoderate cost procedure. It's a successful solution for those patients affected. It has excellent mid-term results, no recurrence of obstruction of DNL and low complication rate. It is a successful technique that would be considered frontline in our hospital for patients diagnosed with pathological epiphora over 12 months old.