New technique for lacrimal system intubation.
OBJECTIVE
To propose a new technique for silicone intubation in disorders of the lacrimal system in children and adults.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative case series.


METHODS
The surgery was performed in 513 eyes of 426 patients from March 2003 to July 2005 in our hospital. With the help of a so-called soft probe and intranasal endoscope, silicone tubes were inserted through both puncta into nasolacrimal duct and left in place for three to six months.


RESULTS
The surgery was performed successfully in all cases. No intraoperative complications were found in the procedure. Tubes were removed between 2.1 and 5.3 months (mean 3.4 months) after surgery. Mean follow-up time after tube removal was 15.1 months (range 3.3 to 27.5 months). Tube displacement occurred in 11 cases (2.14%); no other complications associated with silicone tubes, such as granuloma formation or corneal erosion, occurred. All the tubes were removed successfully. No ophthalmic injuries occurred during tube removal.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique proved to be effective in both children and adults. This technique, which is atraumatic, easy to perform, time-saving, and better tolerated, may be considered as an alternative method for lacrimal system intubation.
Wang
Linghua
L
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Chen
Dong
D
Wang
Zhichong
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020878:Device Removal; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012828:Silicones; D013997:Time Factors
D012828:Silicones