Dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tubes: evaluation of 253 cases.

Two hundred fifty-three patients with chronic epiphora underwent dacryocystorhinostomy combined with silicone intubation of the lacrimal drainage system. An overall success rate of 91.3% was achieved. Since the tubes were well-tolerated postoperatively, complications were rare and benign. Although our success rate is similar to those reported for similar cases using other techniques, we find that silicone intubation facilitates surgery in cases with excessive intraoperative bleeding or nasal mucosal tears, and simplifies postoperative follow-up.