[Balloon-catheter dilatation (dacrioplasty) for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction treatment].

PURPOSE To verify the results of balloon-catheter dilatation for the treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. To the best of author's knowledge this procedure has not been previously used in Brazil and deserves scientific studies. METHODS Children between 2 and 5 years old, with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction, were treated with balloon-catheter dilatation (Lacricath). Catheter was introduced by the superior lacrimal punctum, under general anesthesia. RESULTS Twenty-seven eyes were treated and 23 presented total improvement of epiphora signs and symptoms (85.2% success rate). During a one year follow-up, all the procedures had good outcomes, without complications and all the children had 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION Balloon-catheter dilatation is an efficient and safe procedure and might be used for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction treatment in children older than 2 years.