Silicone Intubation in Children with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT

When nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children cannot be treated with probing, the fracture of inferior turbinate and/or silicone intubation can be performed, prior to dacryocystorhinostomy So far, there have been many reports and controversies regarding the methods and duration of intubation. The authors report the clinical results of treatment with silicone intubation on the nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children. In seven eyes of seven cases with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the silcone intubation was performed. In four eyes of four cases, the fracture of infeior turbinate was accompanied by silicone intubation. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 to 9 years, and the duration of intubation ranged from 2 weeks to 5.5 months, averaging 3 months. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 26 months after the tube removal. In 6 eyes of 6 cases(86%), the symptoms were resolved. The authous recommend that the tube be removed within 3 months after insertion.