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Endoscope-assisted technique may ease intubation for lacrimal disorders
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A new silicone intubation method appears effective for treating lacrimal system disorders in children and adults, researchers in one study report.
Zhichong Wang, MD, PhD, and colleagues in Guangzhou, China, conducted a retrospective study of 513 eyes of 426 patients. The researchers evaluated an intubation technique involving inserting silicone tubes into the nasolacrimal ducts via both puncta aided by a soft probe and an intranasal endoscope, according to the study.
Surgeons removed the tubes at a mean 3.4 months postoperatively, ranging from 2.1 months to 5.3 months. Patients were followed for a mean 15.1 months after tube removal.
The technique proved successfully in all cases, with no reported intraoperative complications, the authors said.
Tube displacement did occur in 11 cases (2.14%). However, no other complications, such as granuloma formation or corneal erosion, occurred, and surgeons removed all tubes without causing any ophthalmic injuries, according to the study.
“This technique, which is atraumatic, easy to perform, time-saving, and better tolerated, may be considered as an alternative method for lacrimal system intubation,” the authors noted.
The study was published in the August issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.