Silicone intubation: an alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy.

Silicone intubation is an alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy in selected patients who have epiphora and obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. Silicone tubing may be passed through the nasolacrimal system and left in place for a prolonged period of time. In many instances, this obviates the need for a dacryocystorhinostomy. If the intubation is not completely successful, a dacryocystorhinostomy can always be carried out at a later date.