AIM To compare the success rate of balloon catheter dilatation of the nasolacrimal duct with probing and irrigation as primary treatment for congenital dacryostenosis. METHODS Charts of all children who were operated on for the first time for congenital dacryostenosis during the years 2004 to 2006 were analysed and the outcomes compared. Surgical success was defined as absence of epiphora and...

Since 1983 percutaneous balloon dilatation of the right ventricular outflow tract has been performed as an alternative to surgical palliation in selected cases of tetralogy of Fallot at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital. From 31 December 1984 to 31 December 1988, 27 of these patients underwent subsequent surgical correction. Age at operation ranged from 7 to 58 months (median 2.7 years). ...

Pulmonary valve stenosis was relieved by balloon dilatation during cardiac catheterisation on 27 occasions in 23 infants and children aged 7 days to 12 years, median 31 months (three aged less than 2 weeks). Pulmonary valve diameter was estimated by cross sectional echocardiography to assist in the choice of balloon size. Before dilatation the right ventricular systolic pressure ranged from 41 ...

BACKGROUND The results of immediate and short term follow up of balloon dilatation of the pulmonary valve have been well documented, but there is limited information on long term follow up. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of three to 10 year follow up of balloon dilatation of the pulmonary valve in children and adolescents. SETTING Tertiary care centre/university hospital. DESIGN Retros...

Eighteen patients with achalasia of the cardia diagnosed by radiography, endoscopy, and manometry were subjected to forced pneumatic dilatation under fluoroscopic control. The procedure was uneventful in all but one patient who developed a pneumomediastinum which resolved on conservative management. A satisfactory result was obtained in 16 patients (89%), 10 patients remaining asymptomatic and ...

We read with interest the article by Eckardt et al regarding the long term results of pneumatic dilatation in achalasia (Gut 2004;53:629–33). Fifty four patients were followed up for a median of 14 years after a single pneumatic dilatation using the Browne-McHardy dilator. Five and 10 year remission rates were 40% and 36%, respectively, and repeated dilatations only mildly improved the clinical...

OBJECTIVE To review the presentation of tubercular ureteric strictures and assesses the role of balloon dilatation and open surgical repair in their management. METHODS This was a retrospective review of tubercular ureteric strictures managed between January 1993 and December 2002. The records were analyzed to assess clinical presentation and compare the results of balloon dilatation with ope...

BACKGROUND Exertional dyspnoea is a limiting symptom in many patients with mitral stenosis but its causes remain incompletely understood. Ventilation during exercise is abnormal in chronic heart failure of all causes and there is increased ventilatory cost of carbon dioxide production. PATIENTS 23 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis undergoing percutaneous balloon dilatation of the mitral...