Programme

Chair: Saj Ataullah

7:00 PM: Evaluation & First-Line Management, Celeste Mansilla (Argentina)

7:25 PM: Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation, Mpopi Lenake (South Africa)

7:50 PM: Dacryoceles and Their Management, Katya Tambe (UK)

8:05 PM: Paediatric DCR: Endoscopic vs. External, William Katowitz (USA)

8:30 PM: Challenging Case Discussions, Manoj Parulekar (UK)

This comprehensive webinar focuses on paediatric lacrimal system disorders, featuring presentations from international experts on various surgical techniques and management approaches, chaired by BOPSS President Saj Ataullah.

Celeste Mansilla from Argentina opens discussions with a talk on the initial evaluation and first-line management of epiphora.

Mpopi Lenake from South Africa shares a detailed outline of nasolacrimal intubation procedures.

Katya Tambe comprehensively discusses the anatomy, presentation and management of dacryoceles.

William Katowitz from Philadelphia presents on external versus endoscopic DCR techniques, sharing his experience with ultrasonic bone aspirators and emphasising the importance of meticulous surgical technique, which he shares.

The session concludes with challenging case discussions led by Manoj Parulekar, including case presentations from Austin McCormick and Katya Tambe on complex cases involving atopy, Lester Jones tubes, and fistula management.

Panellists share their experiences and approaches to difficult cases, highlighting the importance of individualised treatment plans and ongoing patient monitoring. 

There was a follow-up question on timing of intervention for trisomy 21 patients –

Commentary from Manoj Parulekar:

“We tend to offer syringe and probe and intubation as needed on our 21 patients at any point after the age of one year. Although the nasal anatomy is often anomalous in 21 trisomy , we usually offer endonasal DCR’s straight after failure of intubation.”

A further question was posed on lacrimal gland excision for refractory cases of epiphora: 

“I have no experience of excision of the lacrimal gland but would consider it an excessive and irreversible procedure, as the consequences of an untreatable dry eye are much worse than a watery eye. Patients with 21 trisomy often have associated corneal problems, including keratoconus and I would be very very cautious about inducing a dry eye in such cases.”