Success of simple probing and irrigation in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and otitis media.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine whether, as has been reported in the literature, a history of otitis media (OM) affects the success of probing and irrigation (P&I) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: All patients who underwent P&I at the Saint Louis University Eye Institute between 2001 and 2002 were prospectively studied. A preoperative questionnaire assessed the laterality of NLDO and history and laterality of OM. Intraoperatively, site of NLDO and recovery of fluorescein were recorded. The success of the probing was determined by follow-up interview 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall success of initial P&I was 86.2%. Patients with OM did not have a statistically significant decrease in success of P&I ( P = 1.00, RR 0.920, 95% CI 0.298-2.736 by Yates-corrected chi-square). The failure rate of initial P&I was not statistically different regardless of fluorescein recovery. NLDO occurred most frequently at the valve of Hasner (45.8%). CONCLUSIONS: OM was not a risk factor for initial P&I failure. Omission of fluorescein irrigation to assess patency may save time and cost.