Pushed monocanalicular intubation versus probing for the treatment of simple and incomplete complex types of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children older than 18 months old

This article compares the success rate of pushed monocanalicular intubation (Masterka) versus probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than 18 months. In a non-random comparative study, 90 eyes with CNLDO underwent either Masterka (45 eyes) or probing (45 eyes). All procedures were performed by one oculoplastic surgeon. The tubes were removed 2 months after the operation. Complete resolution was defined as complete absence of clinical signs and symptoms of CNLDO at 6 months after the procedure. The mean age at the time of treatment was 28 ± 18.2 months for Masterka and 26.7 ± 18.6 months for probing group. Treatment success was achieved in 33 of 45 eyes (73.3%) in the Masterka group compared with 22 of 45 eyes (48.9%) in the probing group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.017). For the treatment of CNLDO, Masterka might be more effective than probing in children older than 18 months.