PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bicanalicular double silicone intubation in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and canaliculoplasty for distal or common canalicular obstruction.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction who had undergone bicanalicular double silicone intubation (insertion of two tubes into each canaliculus) during external DCR and canaliculoplasty. We reviewed the records of subjects who had undergone the same surgery with a bicanalicular single intubation as control material. The tubes were removed at around 6 months after surgery. Anatomical and functional success rates of patients who were followed up for > 2 months after the removal of tube(s) were evaluated. In addition, complications related to the silicone tube were evaluated.

RESULTS

Data for 60 eyes of 45 patients in the double-intubation group and 69 eyes of 65 patients in the single-intubation group were retrieved. The double-intubation group showed higher anatomical success rates (96.5%) than the single-intubation group (85.5%). Functional success was achieved by 53 (88.3%) of 60 eyes in the double-intubation group and 56 (81.2%) of 69 eyes in the single-intubation group. There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bicanalicular double silicone intubation for DCR and canaliculoplasty may be an effective mode of treatment for patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction.