NASOLACRIMAL INTUBATION IN ADULTS

Background/aims-Silicone intubation has been shown to be successful in the management of epiphora in children. The effectiveness of this pro cedure was assessed in adults. Methods-70 eyes from 53 patients underw ent nasolacrimal intubation. Mean age at intubation was 54.7 years. Me an follow up period was 15 months. The results were based on improveme nt of symptoms. Results-Complete resolution of symptoms was reported i n 54.3%. A partial improvement was reported in 14.3%, a transient impr ovement in 10%, and no improvement in 21.4%. A better outcome was asso ciated with canalicular than with nasolacrimal obstructions (complete resolution of symptoms in 75.9% versus 25%). Only 17.1% have subsequen tly required dacryocystorhinostomies. Conclusion-Silicone intubation o f the nasolacrimal system is a successful procedure in the management of adult epiphora.