To evaluate the effects of silicone tube intubation in patients showing common canalicular obstruction in dacryocystography.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 136 eyes of 93 patients who underwent silicone tube intubation and who were followed for more than 6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the normal canaliculus group (112 eyes of 72 patients) and the common canalicular obstruction group (24 eyes of 21 patients). The demographic characteristics, degree of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on probing, and functional and anatomical success rates of silicone tube intubation were compared between the two groups. Surgery success was noted when the patient was satisfied with the 'improved' tearing symptom and the tear meniscus height decreased.

On probing, 17 (70.8%) of 27 eyes revealed definite obstructive feeling at nasolacrimal duct in the common canalicular obstruction group, and there was no significant difference compared to the normal canaliculus group ( p = 0.639). The anatomical success rate of silicone tube intubation was 91.1% in the normal canaliculus group and 83.3% in the common canalicular obstruction group, and the functional success rate was 85.7% in the normal canaliculus group and 75.0% in the common canalicular obstruction group. There were no significant differences in success rates between the two groups ( p = 0.271, p = 0.161, respectively).

Silicone tube intubation can be considered as a primary treatment option for management of common canalicular obstruction.