Silicone Intubation and Postoperative Mitomycin Application for Partial Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Adults

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study nasolacrimal duct (NLD) stenosis in adult, evaluated the clinical results of treatment with topical 0.04% mitomycin C (MMC) eyedrops after silicone tube intubation. METHODS: Prospectively, we analysed the clinical results from 29 eyes of 25 adult patients with epiphora due to NLD stenosis who underwent this procedure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up periods was 9.3 months. Twenty-two eyes (76%) showed no epiphora and complete passing into the cavity by lacrimal irrigation. Four eyes (13.7%) showed intermittent epiphora but improvement relative to preoperative state. Three eyes (10.3%) showed persistent epiphora and no improvement. In total, 26 eyes (89%) showed improvement of symptoms. Complications were silicone tube prolapse in 5 eyes (17.2%) and dacryocystitis in 2 (6.9%) CONCLUSIONS: Silicone tube intubation with topical MMC eyedrops for treatment of patients with tearing due to NLD stenosis is effective, safe and easy. This technique can be tried before DCR if the surgeon has a thorough of nasal cavity anatomy and probing.