Monocanalicular lacrimonasal intubation

A new technique to obtain patency of the lacrimal drainage system was used in three children with bilateral congenital obstruction of the lacrimonasal duct (six cases) and upper canalicular abnormalities (five cases). The upper canalicular abnormalities prevented bicanaliculonasal intubation.A silicone tube was passed through the lower canaliculus, traversing the lacrimal drainage system and into the nasal fossa. The proximal end of the tube was placed subconjunctival in the inferior fornix and secured. The distal end of the tube was passed through the subcartilaginous nasal septum to the contralateral nasal fossa and tied to a tube similarly passed through the opposite lacrimal system.The procedure was successful in all six cases, with all tubes remaining in place the desired length of time. Postoperative identification and removal of the tubes offered no difficulties and was followed by permanent patency of the lacrimal drainage system in all six cases.