Bicanalicular silicone intubation in acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of bicanalicular silicone intubation (SI) in acquired partial nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction.

DESIGN: Retrospective nonrandomized case series

METHODS: 72 tear ducts from 53 patients with severe epiphora due to acquired partial NLD obstruction underwent bicanalicular SI. Mean age at intubation was 55.9 years. The silicone tubes were removed after, on average, 10.4 weeks. Mean follow up period was 29.3 months (range 6 to 66 months). The results were assessed using the Munk score: 0-1: complete success, 2: partial success and 3-4: failure.

RESULTS: Complete success was reported in 47% (31/66). Partial success was reported in 3% (2/66), and no improvement in 50% (33/66). 12% (8/66) was subsequently treated with dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

CONCLUSION: In patients with acquired partial NLD obstruction, we noted a low success-rate for bicanalicular SI. Although it may be considered in patients who refuse DCR surgery, the relatively poor outcome compared to DCR does not justify its systematic use for this indication.