[Direct complete intubation of the lacrimal ducts in dacryocystorhinostomy]

A new variant of the direct complete method of intubation of the lacrimal drainage system. The newly created lacrimal sac/nasal cavity anastomosis is intubated with a y-shaped silicon tube. A U-shaped bicanalicular silicon tube is inserted, end to side, into the y-shaped tubing, thus producing a complete intubation of the lacrimal drainage system. This technique has proved successful in 30 operations and is the operation of choice for revisions and "improvisations". At follow-up examinations performed between 3 weeks and 15 months later a total of 26 cases were found to have unobstructed passage from both the upper and lower punctum. Complete intubation of the lacrimal system permits safe orthograde and retrograde irrigation, promotes the reepithelialization of the new mucosa and prevents scarring and shrinkage in the area of the common duct orifice and the newly formed lacrimal sac/nasal-cavity anastomosis.