Silicone tubing used in intubating the lacrimal system. Joining the ends for easy removal

Experiments were conducted in rabbits using histoacryl glue to join the ends of the silicone tubing used to intubate the lacrimal system. This method avoids the need for knots of suture which occasionally become trapped in the lacrimal sac, making extubation difficult. Rabbits intubated with this method were compared with those intubated with tubing tied by 4-0 prolene suture and untreated controls. The new method was successful during the four months of our study and no significant histopathological effects were observed in the normal canaliculus. The success of the procedure in rabbits led to its use in ten infants with lacrimal obstructions that had not been relieved by previous probings.