Customized Jones tube using a surgical drill.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for modifying a Jones tube length in the operating room.

METHODS

The required length of the Jones tube is determined using an 18-gauge needle passed from the conjunctiva posterior to the caruncle to the middle meatus. A longer Jones tube is ground to the proper length with a 4-mm diamond burr on a saber drill.

RESULTS

This procedure results in shortening of an oversized Jones tube in the operating room with no gross or microscopic defects in the glass surface.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique allows modification of a Jones tube when the appropriate size is not available and may reduce the number of sizes that must be maintained in the operating room.