The Effect of Silicone Tube Intubation in Pediatric Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of silicone tube intubation in pediatric patients whose tearing was not relieved by probing method. OBJECTS AND METHODS: We intubated Crawford type and Monoka type silicone tube from 1995 to 2000 in forty eyes which had persistent tearing in spite of conservative treatment and probing method, and inferior turbinate was fractured if necessary. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 16.9 months. The successful results were obtained in 80% of Crawford type, and in 85% of Monoka type. Especially, in cases of the inferior turbinate fracture, success rate was 100% regardless of the type of silicone tube. There was no significant difference in complications in the two types. Monoka type was easier to proceed and less irritant to eyes than Crawford type but there were some cases in which the tube was extruded during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Monoka type silicone tube intubation in pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction was as successful as Crawford type and the procedure was easier than Crawford type. In addition, silicone tube intubation could be performed more simply with inferior turbinate fracture.