Factors Affecting the Outcome of Silicone Intubation for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the factors affecting the outcome of silicone intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: A total of 233 eyes of 200 children that received silicone intubation were enrolled in a retrospective study. RESULTS: The overall success of silicone intubation was 193 of 233 eyes (82.8%). There was no significant difference in success rate between age groups. Tube retention time did not affect the success rates. Immediate tube dislocation as early as within 2 weeks did not lower the success rates (81.5%). Success rates were significantly lowered by persistent epiphora at the point of tube removal (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of silicone intubation is determined by symptomatic improvement, which is not affected by tube retention time. Unplanned early tube dislocation may not affect the outcome of silicone intubation unless symptoms are persistent, and sufficient tube retention time does not ensure the success if symptoms are persistent.