Silicone intubation as an alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy for nasolacrimal drainage obstruction in adults.

Silicone tubing was used to repair the patency of the nasolacrimal drainage system in 115 patients (four bilaterally) with chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The patients were over 20 years old and 16 were men and 99 women; 46% presented an uncomplicated obstruction with epiphora and 54% presented additional signs of chronic dacryocystitis. We used the technique of Quickert and Dryden with modifications. The silicone tube remained for a mean of 5.5 months (+/- 2.5 SD). After removal of the tube the follow-up ranged from 6 to 42 months (mean +/- SD: 16 +/- 9). Patency was maintained in 89% of cases with uncomplicated obstruction and in 69% of those with chronic dacryocystitis (total success rate 78%). We can therefore recommend silicone intubation of the lacrimal drainage system as an alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), in adults with obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. In addition, unlike DCR this technique is bloodless and the operation takes less time.