[Pediatric acute dacryocystitis due to frontoethmoidal mucocele]. / Akute Dakryozystitis im Kindesalter bei frontoethmoidaler Mukozele.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric acute dacryocystitis typically develops due to persistence of Hasner's membrane. Pediatric paranasal mucoceles are rare entities. In contrast, chronic dacryocystitis in cases of congenital dacryostenosis is one of the most frequent pediatric ophthalmologic issues. METHODS: The case report of a 10-year-old girl suffering acute dacryocystitis is presented. RESULTS: The area around the left lacrimal sac showed a painful swelling with edema and hyperemia. Systemic and local antibiotic therapy resulted in only slight improvement. Dacryoendoscopy detected acute dacryocystitis with significant stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct. The nasolacrimal duct was widened dacryoendoscopically and autostable bicanalicular nasolacrimal intubation was performed. Nevertheless, the lacrimal ducts were blocked subtotally and a widening of the ethmoid on the left side was shown by rhinoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a frontoethmoidal mucocele which was treated by marsupialization. During the 24-month follow-up there was no recurrence of acute dacryocystitis. There were no signs of sinusitis. CONCLUSION: Paranasal mucoceles, e. g., ethmoidal mucoceles, can compress the lacrimal pathways and cause acute lacrimal inflammation in childhood. Paranasal mucoceles should thus be excluded in cases of unclear masses in the lacrimal region.

[Diagnostics and treatment of lacrimal duct diseases : A structured patient-centred care concept]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von Tränenwegserkrankungen : Ein strukturiertes patientenzentriertes Versorgungskonzept.

BACKGROUND: The cardinal symptom of lacrimal stenosis is epiphora and a subjective high level of discomfort due to continuous dacryorrhea. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current paper is to present a structured review of common diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lacrimal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The most important diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are analysed using the existing literature and by reporting the authors' own experiences. RESULTS: A detailed patient history is crucial for diagnosis of lacrimal disorders. Precise inspection and palpation of the lacrimal and lid region may confirm lacrimal stenosis. Examinations of tear production, tear quality and the properties of the ocular surface are helpful. The most important diagnostic tool is lacrimal duct probing and syringing. Therapy is guided by underlying pathologies. Treatment of congenital lacrimal stenosis follows a staged concept. Epiphora in adults without signs of dacryocystitis should be treated with dacryoendoscopy. Dacryoendoscopy is also a therapeutic option for chronic dacryocystitis, but dacryocystorhinostomy may also be required. Lacrimal trauma should be reconstructed rapidly after the incident by lacrimal intubation. Neoplasia of the lacrimal excretory system requires histological classification to enable multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: Basic ophthalmologic diagnostics are complemented by special symptom-based examinations. Due to ongoing improvement of available diagnostic and therapeutic options, patients' care is becoming increasingly individualised.

[Dacryoliths and Iatrogenic Foreign Bodies as Classical Triggers for Inflammatory Pseudotumors of the Lacrimal Drainage System]. / Dakryolithen und iatrogene Fremdkörper als klassische Auslöser entzündlicher Pseudotumoren der ableitenden Tränenwege.

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the lacrimal duct are rare. Inflammatory pseudotumors do not represent neoplasias as such. Chronic inflammation may lead to an angiomatous granulation tissue. PATIENTS: The first case presents a 53-year-old male patient suffering a mass of the mediocaudal orbit after an acute dacryocystitis has been cured. Using diagnostic dacryoendoscopy, a large dacryolith was detected. Removing the concrement, via external dacryocystorhinostomy, a polypous tissue appeared which was resected as well. The second case concerns a 29-year-old female patient. She had a lacrimal surgery with stenting seven years prior to surgery. The patient's history revealed recurrent mucous secretion of the tear duct and tenderness of the lacrimal sac. An intrasaccal silicon foreign body could be confirmed by dacryoendoscopy. An external dacryocystorhinostomy was performed and the material was extracted. Hereby, an inflammatory tissue mass filling the whole efferent tear duct was removed. RESULTS: In both patients, external dacryocystorhinostomy was performed complication-free. Surgery enabled the reconstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. Temporary autostable silicon intubation was inserted into the nasolacrimal duct (case 1 and 2), as well into osteotomy (case 2). Histologically, reactive granulation tissue was confirmed. During the follow-up of 9 months (patient 1) and 12 months (patient 2), patients were free of complaints. Lacrimal stentings were removed uneventfully and completely. CONCLUSIONS: Dacryoliths and intrasaccal foreign bodies may cause a chronic dacryocystitis. Due to inflammation, reactive tissue proliferation can be initiated. In these cases, a hypertrophic granulation arose. Endogenous (dacryoliths) and exogenous (iatrogenic foreign bodies) triggers may be underlying reasons. Histological examination is essential for differentiating other inflammatory pathologies or tumors.

[Minimally invasive diagnostics and therapy of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction]. / Minimalinvasive Diagnostik und Therapie der konnatalen Tränenwegsstenose.

BACKGROUND: One of the most frequent issues in pediatric ophthalmology concerns congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Typically, irritation of the medial eyelid angle occurs during the first days of life and later increased epiphora appears as tear production is still reduced in young infants. In the case of intrasaccal or postsaccal nasolacrimal duct stenosis, a chronic dacryocystitis develops. METHODS: Modern minimally invasive diagnostics and therapy of CNLDO are reviewed by means of a search of the recent literature and reflection of own experiences. RESULTS: An early diagnosis of CNLDO is desirable. If conservative therapeutic approaches fail, invasive procedures have to be considered. Probing and high pressure syringing of the nasolacrimal ducts remains the therapy of choice. Further therapy options, such as balloon dacryoplasty and dacryoendoscopy are also available. Additionally, due to improvement of the surgical techniques a minimally invasive approach is possible even for dacryocystorhinostomy; nevertheless, this procedure should be considered only as a last resort. CONCLUSION: Precise classification of CNLDO and knowledge about the possible treatment options are important. Lacrimal surgery in childhood is dominated by transcanalicular procedures. Advanced minimally invasive techniques, such as dacryoendoscopy or modern autostable intubation sets have to be emphasized. All therapeutic interventions can be summarized using a staged therapeutic concept, which should be used individually and patient-centered.

[Prognostic value of lacrimal duct diagnostics after tube removal : Retrospective analysis of risk of relapse during the first postoperative year after transcanalicular lacrimal duct surgery with silicone tubing]. / Prognostische Aussagekraft der Tränenwegsdiagnostik nach Intubatentfernung : Retrospektive Analyse des Rezidivrisikos im ersten postoperativen Jahr nach transkanalikulärer Tränenwegschirurgie mit Silikonschlauchintubation.

BACKGROUND: Transcanalicular lacrimal duct surgery has become more important over the past two decades. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to prove the prognostic value of postoperative lacrimal syringing and the testing of spontaneous drainage of lacrimal fluid immediately after tube removal. METHODS: A total of 110 cases with postoperative lacrimal syringing and 183 cases with verification of the postoperative lacrimal fluid drainage performed between January 2001 and August 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The indication for postoperative diagnostics was set by the investigator. The prognostic value of these two procedures was determined by using prognostic parameters (positive predictive value, PPV; negative predictive value, NPV) and analyzing recurrence nonexistence via Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier estimator. The observation period was limited to 12 months. Predominantly, recurrence was defined on the patient's satisfaction and absence of symptoms, which was determined with the help of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Postoperative verification of the lacrimal syringing is a suitable instrument to estimate surgical success within the first year after lacrimal surgery with a PPV of 92.31%. Testing of the spontaneous drainage of lacrimal fluid after tube removal reached a PPV of 63.33%. CONCLUSION: The proven prognostic value shows that syringing of the lacrimal duct and verification of spontaneous drainage should be integrated into postoperative care in a standardized manner. Hereby, early information for the patient about the expected result of the surgical procedure is enabled.

[Concretions and iatrogenic foreign bodies in the lacrimal system : Treatment recommendations]. / Konkremente und iatrogene Fremdkörper der ableitenden Tränenwege : Therapeutische Empfehlungen.

BACKGROUND: Deposits (dacryoliths or foreign bodies) inside the lacrimal system can cause chronic inflammation and recurrent lacrimal stenosis. Furthermore, dacryoliths can occur due to chronic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Considering typical clinical courses, the different localizations and surgical options for removing deposits from the lacrimal system are demonstrated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1451 lacrimal surgeries in 1131 patients was performed. Fourteen representative lacrimal surgeries of 11 patients were retrospectively analyzed in terms of current complaints, prior surgery, and the performed surgical intervention. In three cases, histologic findings of removed dacryoliths were assessed. The surgical approaches are described using precise photodocumentation. RESULTS: In 220 lacrimal surgeries (15.2 %), dacryoliths were detected. Iatrogenic foreign bodies were found in 0.8 % (n = 12). All chosen patients suffered painful chronic inflammation of the lacrimal system. Localization was either intrasaccular or intracanalicular. In 10 eyes, surgery was performed using a transcanalicular dacryoendoscope, either alone or in combination with another method. An external approach (transcutaneous/transconjunctival) was performed in 4 patients. Regarding the whole study population, dacryoliths were found in 16.9 % (n = 91) of dacryocystorhinostomies, in 14.6 % (n = 77) of dacryoendoscopies, and in 35.6 % (n = 52) of canaliculotomies. CONCLUSION: Foreign bodies and dacryoliths are important differential diagnoses in the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis. Different surgical approaches are possible and should be available for treatment. Patients' history often reports prior lacrimal surgery.

[The Interdisciplinary Conference on Lacrimal System Disorders of ophthalmic and ENT surgeons at the University Hospital Halle : An analysis of present patient material]. / Die interdisziplinäre Tränenwegskonferenz von Ophthalmo- und Rhinochirurgen am Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale) : Eine Auswertung des bisherigen Krankenguts.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The lacrimal system (LS) crosses regions of ocular adnexa, the nose, and the paranasal sinuses. Surgery of disorders requires a targeted ophthalmologic and otolaryngologic examination. Since 2013, an Interdisciplinary Conference on Lacrimal System Disorders (ICLSD) has existed at the University Hospital Halle. First results of our experiences with this cooperation between ophthalmic and ENT surgeons are presented. METHODS: In a retrospective study at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle, all patients aged 22-80 years (n = 43, 10 with bilateral manifestation; mean age 65.1 years) having had a consultation in ICLSD between February 2013 and May 2015 were analyzed. Thereby, 53 LS were included in the descriptive evaluation. RESULTS: The main relevant pathology in terms of ophthalmologic manifestation was chronic dacryocystitis and its complications (n = 42), whereas nasal septum deviation (n = 11) and chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 10) were the most frequent otorhinolaryngologic pathologies. Prior to consultation, ENT (n = 34) and/or ophthalmic surgery (n = 40) had been performed. During ICLSD, an individualized therapeutic regime for each patient was developed. Surgery was required in 43 out of 53 LS. Of these, 32 were mainly ophthalmic, 11 mainly ENT interventions. At the time of evaluation (median 3 months; range 1 to 24 months), 29 out of 38 patients (76.3 %) were free of complaints. CONCLUSION: Since 2013, competences of ophthalmic and ENT surgeons have been integrated in ICLSD for advanced diagnosis and therapy of lacrimal disorders at the University Hospital Halle. Encouraging functional results are shown in this study, as most patients have had a long and complicated history of lacrimal system disorders. ICLSD enables interdisciplinary patient care.

[External Dacryocystorhinostomy--Analysis of Patient Material of the University Hospital Halle from 2000 to 2011]. / Die externe Dakryozystorhinostomie--eine Analyse des Krankenguts der Universitäts-Augenklinik Halle der Jahre 2000-2011.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to collect additional data on the long-term success (LTS) of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) and the impact of pre-, intra- and postoperative factors on the surgical outcome. This was intended to increase the precision of the indication for DCR. METHOD: A retrospective, non-comparative study was conducted on 637 ext-DCR due to dacryocystitis performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle. This included all surgical interventions on patients of at least 11 years of age. Using standardised questionnaires and patient records, 60.75 % (n = 387) of patients were surveyed. Follow-up was 1.0 to 12.0 years (mean, 4.0 years). RESULTS: Analysis of patient satisfaction showed satisfactory (20.2 %) and very satisfactory (74.2 %) results. LTS was 94.4 % (n = 365). Factors negatively influencing postoperative outcome were prior surgical interventions of nose and/or sinus, previous ext-DCR and transcanalicular lacrimal surgery. Surgical outcome was positively influenced by lacrimal sac size and lacrimal stenting. Large saccus lacrimales and use of monocanalicular intubates improved LTS. CONCLUSIONS: LTS of ext-DCR shows very good results, thus underlining its superiority to other surgical approaches. Special attention should be paid to diseases and previous surgical interventions on the nose and/or sinus that effect the lacrimal duct system. Therefore, a special committee of ENT physicians and ophthalmologists has been established at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle. From the surgical point of view, it is important to create an adequate mucosal anastomosis using lacrimal and nasal mucosa. Restoration is possible with lacrimal stent materials. The indication for ext-DCR was restricted by competition with transcanalicular endoscopic interventions to preserve physiological lacrimal drainage.

[Treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction: A prospective clinical cohort study]. / Behandlung kindlicher Tränenwegsstenosen : Eine prospektive klinische Kohortenstudie.

BACKGROUND: Pressurized probing and irrigation is the method of choice for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction after conservative therapeutic strategies have failed. The aim of this study was to evaluate age dependence and success rates of different therapeutic options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of children with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction was performed. All children treated during the period between May 2009 and June 2010 were included. Surgical success was defined as the absence of epiphora and mucous discharge for a postoperative follow-up of 3 months. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of different variables were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 111 children (137 eyes) underwent treatment for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. The mean age of the children was 7.7 months (range 1-30 months). The success rate of probing under local anesthesia was 85.5 % (n = 100). Probing under general anesthesia without intubation of the lacrimal pathway was successful in 28.6 % (n = 2). Treatment under general anesthesia with intubation of the lacrimal pathway had a success rate of 94.2 %. If the primary treatment was complicated the OR was 1.9 (95 % CI: 0.7-5.1), for males the OR was 1.7 (95 % CI: 0.8-3.5) and in cases of a positive family history the OR was 1.5 (95 % CI: 0.7-3.3). With every increasing month of age the risk not to be treated successfully increased (OR: 1.3, 95 % CI: 1.2-1.5). CONCLUSION: Syringing under local anesthesia is an effective therapy. The highest success rates were found at the ages of 1-6 months. Therapy with additional silicone tube intubation was highly successful.

[Endoscopy of the Lacrimal Duct System in Children]. / Tränenwegsendoskopie im Kindesalter.

BACKGROUND: Pathologies of the lacrimal duct system show a frequent occurrence in paediatric ophthalmology. Mostly, the connection between the nasolacrimal duct and the nose fails to open but also combined diseases or congenital anomalies may be the reason. Because of complications, the chance for healing after a conservative therapeutic approach decreases and surgical intervention is necessary. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The opportunity for transcanalicular endoscopy of the lacrimal duct system in children is shown by the presentation of three different case reports. Typical clinical findings are given and the use of dacryoendoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic benefit is pointed out. Therefore, we present an 8-week-old child, suffering recurrent purulent inflammation due to an amniotocele (1), a 5-year-old child having a congenital lacrimal fistula (2) and another 5-year-old child with a severe chronic dacryocystitis of both eyes after several lacrimal duct surgeries showing remaining intrasaccal silicone tubes (3). RESULTS: In all these cases transcanalicular endoscopy could be used successfully for reconstruction of the lacrimal duct systems. A bullous Hasner's membrane could be localized and opened (1). The lacrimal fistula was identified to communicate with the common canaliculus and combined stenosis of the canaliculus and saccus were treated (2). In the third case fragments of intrasaccal silicone tubes could be localised and the foreign bodies could be evacuated by transcanalicular surgery (3). The children with lacrimal fistula and the intrasaccal foreign bodies were treated with self-threading silicone tubing which was removed three months later. In the follow-up period (16 months in case 2, 22 months in case 3 and 38 months in case 1) recurrences of the lacrimal pathologies or clinical complaints were absent. CONCLUSION: Transcanalicular endoscopy of the lacrimal duct system should not be regarded as the means of choice but it does offer additional diagnostic and therapeutic options for special indications. A main advantage of this kind of surgery is its minimally invasive character. Under visual control, topographic anatomy can be preserved. Dacryoendoscopy in children should be done only by experienced surgeons.

[Chronic dacryocystitis in a pediatric patient: transcanalicular endoscopic-assisted removal of iatrogenic foreign body from the lacrimal sac]. / Chronische Dakryozystitis im Kindesalter: Transkanalikuläre endoskopiegestützte Entfernung iatrogener intrasakkaler Fremdkörper.

Congenital dacryostenoses are frequent problems in pediatric ophthalmology. For surgical intervention various transcanalicular techniques by lining the tear ducts with silicone tubes are available. A 5-year-old child was presented with severe chronic dacryocystitis of both eyes after several interventions for lacrimal duct surgery with silicone intubation had been carried out. Using endoscopy the fragments of intrasaccal silicone tubes could be localized and the foreign bodies could be removed by endoscopic transcanicular surgery. The complete removal of silicone tubes is obligatory otherwise severe complications can occur.

[Lacrimal system lacerations and their surgical repair]. / Tränenwegsverletzungen und ihre chirurgische Versorgung.

In lacrimal system lacerations the canaliculi are involved in 70% of cases and the lacrimal sac and/or nasolacrimal duct in 30%. Lacrimal system lacerations can be the result of sharp or blunt trauma. Nasolacrimal ducts may become obstructed by indirect trauma as an aftereffect of naso-orbital fractures. The epidemiology, main principles of surgical repair of canaliculi and of lacrimal sacs and/or nasolacrimal ducts, special techniques of surgical reconstruction and approximate success rates are reviewed with respect to the outcome of our patient collective compared to the literature. Canalicular and lacrimal sac lacerations need urgent primary microsurgical repair with silicone intubation and paying special attention to the medial nasal canthus. In cases of traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction as an aftereffect of mid-facial fractures, a secondary reconstruction should be planned.

[Lacrimal system injuries -- primary and secondary surgical care]. / Verletzungen der ableitenden Tränenwege -- primäre und sekundäre operative Versorgung.

BACKGROUND: Canalicular lacerations can be the result of sharp or blunt trauma as well as burns of the facial region. The nasolacrimal duct may become obstructed as an after-effect of naso-orbital trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Main principles of surgical repair of the lacrimal system are reviewed with regard to the outcome of our own patients compared with the literature. RESULTS: Success rates in the primary repair of traumatic injuries of canalicular system are about 70 to 82 %. 14 of 20 patients who were managed between 1976 and 1980 in our department were cured permanently. 55 of 272 secondary reconstructions of canalicular obstructions (1976 - 1997) were caused by trauma. Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with polyethylene or silicone tubes (1978 - 1999, n = 37, 21 traumatic) had success rates of 61 % and 72 %, respectively. 11 (4.8 %) of 228 dacryocystorhinostomies (1991 - 2000) were necessary as a result of traumatic injuries and achieved a success rate of 87.5 %. CONCLUSIONS: Canalicular lacerations need urgent primary repair with silicone intubation and special heed to the medial canthal tendon. The success rate of secondary reconstructions of traumatically caused tear-duct system obstructions depends on the microsurgical techniques that were used.

[Long term patency rate of the external dacryocystorhinostomy. A retrospective study in the years 1991-2000 at the University Eye Hospital in Halle]. / Langzeitergebnisse der Dacryocystorhinostomia externa. Eine retrospektive Studie an der Universitätsaugenklinik Halle in den Jahren 1991-2000.

PURPOSE: By means of a retrospective study the indication and the functional prognosis of external dacryocystorhinostomy were determined and compared with the results in the literature. METHOD: From 1991 to 2000, a total of 203 patients underwent transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy at the University Eye Hospital in Halle (228 operations). We evaluated to medical data and asked the patients the satisfaction with the operation, the other necessary treatments and the recent symptoms via questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 3,4 years. We sent 223 questionnaires with a feedback of 146 utilizable answers (65.5%). After 121 operations (80.1%) the patients were symptom free or seldom they had a little epiphora in the wind and cold weather. 8 patients (5.5%) had scare problems. Regarding the indication of the external dacryocystorhinostomy age, gender and pathogenesis of the obstruction had no influence on the result. CONCLUSIONS: The functional success rate was 80.1% in a postoperative mean follow-up time of 3.4 years. This long term patency rate is comparable with the results for the external dacryocystorhinostomy in the literature from 80 to 100%. Other alternative surgical procedures have to measure to these high success rates.

[Human lens cells in culture. I. Isolation of adult lens epithelial cells from lens capsule preparations and reactivation of nucleus-containing fiber cells]. / Humane Linsenzellen in der Kultur. I. Gewinnung von adulten Linsenepithelzellen aus Linsenkapselpräparaten nach Kataraktoperationen und von fetalen Linsenzellen durch Reaktivierung kernhaltiger Faserzellen.

BACKGROUND: Bovine lens epithelial cells in culture revealed a high sensitivity against micromolar concentrations of linoleic acid. To prove the assumption that unsaturated free fatty acids are risk factors for cataractogenesis, human lens cell lines are needed. Furthermore, the reactivation of nucleus-containing fiber cells to mitotic growth may hint at their role in after cataract genesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epithelium-capsule-preparations obtained by capsulorhexis were cultured in serum containing medium. Subculturing of these adult human lens epithelial cells was done by trypsinization. Fiber cell bundles from the equator region of a fetal human lens were transferred into culture medium. Aggregates of nucleus containing fiber cells were isolated from floating fiber cell bundles by trypsinization. Subculturing and cryoconservation of suitable cell lines. RESULTS: Primary culture of epithelium-capsule-preparations results in flattening, migration and proliferation of adult human lens epithelial cells. Nucleus containing fiber cells were reactivated to mitotic growth after adhesion to a suitable substratum. Established cell lines were received from adult human lens epithelial cells and fetal human fiber cells after repeated subculturing. CONCLUSIONS: Lens-capsule-preparations available from cataract surgery are well suited for the isolation of human lens cell lines, which were needed for testing cytotoxicity of drugs and for tracing of cataractogenic risk factors. The finding that nucleus containing fiber cells from the equator of human lenses can be reactivated to proliferating cells let us suppose, that these cells, which can not be removed easily from the posterior lens capsule, contribute to the after cataract formation.