The effect of silicone intubation on failure and infection rates after dacryocystorhinostomy.

Of 388 cases of dacryocystorhinostomy eligible for silicone intubation, intubation was used in 238 (61%) and not used in 150 (39%). The indications for intubation were canalicular disease or sac characteristics predisposing to failure. No significant difference was found in the rate of failure (.5 < P < 1.0) or soft-tissue infection (.25 < P < .5) for either primary or repeated surgery. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not alter these risks in relation to silicone intubation.