Results with Silicone Stent in Lacrimal Drainage System

ABSTRACT

We report 20 cases of silicone stents intubation in the lacrimal drainage system in 19 patients. Intubation is indicated in the following congenital dacryostenosis, partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction with contracted lacrimal sac. The success rate of silicone stent intubation in congenital dacryostenosis and partial nasolacrimal duct obstuction was 55.5%(5/9). All cases of silicone stents intubation combined with dacryocystorhinostomy were successful, but silicone stents were still placed in lacrimal drainage system in 5 cases. In congenital dacryostenosis and partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the silicone stent intubation might be advocated as a conservative alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy and in complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction with contracted lacrimal sac, the silicone stent intubation combined with dacryocystorhinstomy might prevent postoperative canalicular obstruction.