Jones tube insertion in children with canalicular agenesis

The purpose of this report is to describe a simplified method of Jones tube insertion in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper a nd lower punctal and canalicular agenesis. A 5-year-old female with bilater al upper and lower canalicular agenesis, and a 4-year-old male with agenesi s of the right upper and lower canaliculi, underwent placement of Jones tub es without performing standard external conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. T he first child requiring bilateral Jones tube insertion has remained asympt omatic for 24 months. The Jones tube dislodged in the second patient 6 week s postoperatively. The tube was replaced, and the child has been asymptomat ic for 16 months. The technique of Jones tube insertion without a previous or concomitant external dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful modification in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper and lower ca nalicular agenesis.