Migration and apparent disappearance of silicone tube following treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To describe the unusual complication of migration and apparent disappearance of silicone tubes following intubation of the lacrimal drainage system.

DESIGN

Interventional case reports.

METHOD: Report of two patients with an unusual tube migration process.

RESULTS

Silicone stents migrated nasally, with healing of the erosion tract in the wake of the migrating tube. One tube became completely internalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Meticulous inspection of the medial canthal area in patients with suspected spontaneous extrusion of silicone stents from the lacrimal drainage system is warranted. Examination under anesthesia and nasal endoscopy may help locate tubes in cases of suspected nasal migration.