title: Long-term placement of silastic nasolacrimal tubes.
abstract: We retrospectively reviewed the complication rate associated with silastic tube intubation in the treatment of congenital and acquired obstructions of the lacrimal system in 82 patients with a follow-up of 3 to 66 months. Complications included tube prolapse, extrusion or breakage, punctal erosion, conjunctival irritation, intranasal discomfort, and tube inspissation with mucoid debris ("dirty tubes"). The rate was highest in the first 3 months (41%); it decreased to less than 10% after 6 months. Based on these findings, we recommend that silastic nasolacrimal tubes be regarded as semi-permanent devices which may safely be left in place for years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Veloudios
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Philippon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones