FP11

Efficacy of Intracanalicular Silicone Intubation in External DCR for Common Canalicular Obstruction

Study design: Prospective interventional study.
Purpose: To evaluate the success rate of external DCR using intracanalicular silicone tube implant in chronic dacryocystitis.
Methods: Adults (>18 years) with chronic dacryocystitis were included; acute cases, pediatric patients, and those with hypertrophied inferior turbinate were excluded. A total of 38 patients underwent DCR with intracanalicular silicone tube implantation. Tubes were removed at 3 months, and patients were followed for epiphora and patency.
Results: Out of 38 cases, 3 patients had persistent epiphora after tube removal, giving a primary success rate of 93%. Two of these underwent re-exploration and were cured, improving the final success rate to 97.4%.
Conclusion: Intracanalicular silicone tube implantation in DCR is a safe and effective technique with high success rates, which can be further improved with timely re-intervention.