Silicone tube intubation of the lacrimal drainage system.

We report 158 silicone tubes placed in the lacrimal drainage systems in 150 patients. Intubation is indicated in the following: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, fresh canalicular lacerations, primary canalicular disease, complicated dacryocystorhinostomies, canaliculorhinostomies, and failed dacryocystorhinostomies. The procedure may be useful prophylactically before surgery or radiation of the medial canthal region.