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


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bleyen
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I
The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Department of Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery, Schiedamsevest 180, 3011 BH Rotterdam, The Netherlands. isabelbleyen@gmail.com
Paridaens
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AD
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct; D012828:Silicones; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012828:Silicones