Silicone intubation without intranasal fixation for treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the efficacy and morbidity of silicone intubation without intranasal fixation to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Methods: Forty eyes of 30 consecutive patients underwent silicone intubation to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The ends of the silicone tubing were tied together with a single square knot and were allowed to retract into the nose without intranasal fixation. Tubing removal was performed in the office via the medial canthus in all patients. No attempt was made to reposition prematurely dislodged tubing.

Results: The success rate for this series was 38 (95%) of 40 eyes in 29 (97%) of 30 patients. Of seven eyes that required unplanned early tubing removal for dislocated tubing, five eyes nevertheless showed complete resolution of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Only one patient underwent a second silicone intubation under general anesthesia.

Conclusions: Silicone intubation without the use of intranasal fixation is an effective strategy for treating congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. It spares most patients from a second procedure under general anesthesia and achieves success rates comparable to previous studies in which more complex techniques were used.