false passage mass due to broken probe after nasolacrimal duct probing: a case report

purpose : to report a patient with retained broken probe tip in the false passage site after nasolacrimal duct (nld) probing case report : a 18-month-baby with epiphora and a nontender mass in the site of lacrimal sac was visited in clinic. she had a history of probing six months ago by another ophthalmologist. the probing was repeated successfully but the mass size didn’t change. the mass was dissected and small size whitish color mass was completely removed. in pathologist report, there was a metallic foreign body (5 mm × 0.3 mm) in the center of the mass. the foreign body was due to probe breaking and its tip being retained in the false passage site. conclusion : this case report shows the importance of gentle probing and notification to integrity of the probe before and after the procedure.    iranian journal of ophthalmology 201123(3):69-71 © 2011 by the iranian society of ophthalmology