gms | German Medical Science

104th DOG Annual Meeting

21. - 24.09.2006, Berlin

Canalicular probing as treatment of dacryocystitis in the newborn: a series of 5 cases

Meeting Abstract

  • G. Casse - Service d'Ophthalmologie, CHU de Limoges, France
  • D. Grivet - Service d’Opthalmologie, CHU de Saint-Etienne, France
  • P. Gain - Service d’Opthalmologie, CHU de Saint-Etienne, France
  • J.-P. Adenis - Service d'Ophthalmologie, CHU de Limoges, France
  • P.-Y. Robert - Service d'Ophthalmologie, CHU de Limoges, France

Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e.V.. 104. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG). Berlin, 21.-24.09.2006. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2006. Doc06dogSA.16.05

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dog2006/06dog390.shtml

Published: September 18, 2006

© 2006 Casse et al.
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Outline

Text

Objective

To evaluate success and complications of early canalicular probing in the treatment of dacryocystitis in the newborn.

Methods

We report here retrospective evaluation of 5 newborns suffering from dacryocystitis, 4 unilateral and 1 bilateral. Canalicular probing was performed using a 00-Bowman disposable probe, in order to evacuate the liquid contained in the lacrimal sac. Babies were followed-up for 8 months.

Results

Probing was successful in all cases with good osseous contact. Purullent discharge was collected in 2 cases, and clear liquid in 3. Recurrent probing was necessary in 1 case. Normal lacrimal patency was achieved with no tearing in all cases.

Conclusions

Neonatal dacryocystitis occurs when Hasner’s valve and canaliculi are temporarily clugged, thus retaining in the lacrimal sac purullent discharge or amniotic fluid. Canalicular probing allows emptying of the lacrimal sac, and generally resolves the situations without sequellae.