Lacrimal silicone intubation for anatomically successful but functionally failed external dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of lacrimal silicone intubation for the management of epiphora in patients who have previously undergone anatomically successful dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: The authors recruited 13 patients (4 male, 9 female) who had persistent epiphora after an anatomically successful primary external DCR and conducted lacrimal silicone intubation through the dacryocystorhinostomy site. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 54.2 years (range 42-80) and mean follow-up was 13.8 months (range 6-30). Epiphora was resolved in all 13 patients following silicone intubation. Spontaneous tube extrusion occurred in three patients, but a new one was easily reintubated. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal silicone intubation is a simple safe and effective procedure for patients with epiphora even after anatomically successful DCR.