Lacrimal surgery in children.

Of 142 children who underwent major lacrimal surgery (160 dacryocystorhinostomies, one congenital fistula excision, one dacryocystectomy, and one canaliculostomy), 49 had congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (34%). Lacrimal obstruction was also associated with canaliculitis, punctal agenesis, trauma, congenital fistula, dacryocystitis, craniofacial defects, and functional eyelid abnormalities. Although the timing and technique of the surgery varied according to the abnormalities, an overall functional success rate of 90% (144 of 160 procedures) was achieved.