Effect of timing of silicone tube removal on the result of duct intubation in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results and complications of primary silicone tube intubation of children presenting with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in relation to the timing of tube removal.

METHODS

This hospital-based retrospective observational case series reviewed the records of 236 primary nasolacrimal duct intubations performed during the last 10 years regarding age at operation, procedure details, timing of tubal removal, and complications. The main outcome measure was success rate in relation to duration of silicone intubation.

RESULTS

The overall success rate was 82.2%. The reoperation rate was higher in all cases of inadvertent early silicone tube removal before 6 weeks (p = 0.002). There was no difference in the success rate between cases of tube removal before or after 6 weeks in children younger than 24 months of age, whereas older children showed a higher reoperation rate if the tubes were removed prior to 6 weeks (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of the silicone tube at 6 weeks is less likely to affect the final result in children younger than 2 years of age. Removal of the tube after at least 3 months is recommended for older children.