SIMULTANEOUS SILICONE INTUBATION THROUGH THE OSTEOTOMY AND THE NASOLACRIMAL DUCT DURING DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY

PURPOSE: To determine whether simultaneous silicone intubation of the osteotomy and the nasolacrimal duct is advantageous in some dacryocyst orhinostomy procedures. METHODS: Silicone tubing was placed through bo th the osteotomy and the nasolacrimal duct in two patients who underwe nt dacryocystorhinostomy for dacryolithiasis. RESULTS: Postoperatively , signs and symptoms of nasolacrimal obstruction were relieved, and la crimal irrigation confirmed anatomic patency of the tear drainage cana ls in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous intubation of the osteotom y and the nasolacrimal duct prevents prolapse of the silicone stent an d may decrease the frequency of postoperative scarring.