Silicone Intubation With Tissue Glue Anastomosis in the Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Abstract

* 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 con genital 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. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:197-199.]