Silicone intubation with tissue glue anastomosis in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the advantages of tissue glue application for the anastomosis of silicone intubation in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were treated with silicone intubation with the aid of tissue glue for end-to-end anastomosis. The recurrence rate, complications, and the need for general anesthesia at tube removal were recorded.

RESULTS

The silicone tubes for all 18 eyes studied were removed smoothly on an outpatient basis. Early extrusion was noted in 3 eyes. No recurrence of epiphora was noted in any eye after more than 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Tissue glue anastomosis is a beneficial modification that avoids the need for general anesthesia during stent removal in children and allows removal to be easily performed in an outpatient clinic.