Clinical experience in the novel retrograde intubation procedure for treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction

Objective To evaluate the novel retrograde intubation procedure for treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction. Methods From March 2012 to December 2014, a total of 53 patients (57 eyes) with lacrimal duct obstruction or chronic dacryocystitis in our hospital were undewent the nov-el retrograde intubation procedure under local anesthesia.All patients were irrigated the lacrimal systems after the operation, and the intubations were removed within 3-12 months postoperatively. The location of intubation, cleanliness, epiphora, secretion from lacrimal sac and other signs of these patients were observed 3-24 months after the intubations were removed. Results 52 cases (56 eyes) were successfully performed and 1 case (1 eye) was failed. After follow-up, 41 cases (43 eyes) were cured, 7 cases (9 eyes) were improved, 4 cases (4 eyes) were ineffective, and the total effective rate was 91.23%. 8 cases (8 eyes) occurred postoperative complications, including 1 case (1 eye) with granulation proliferation, 2 cases (2 eyes) with lacrimal punctum split, 3 cases (3 eyes) with stump residue, and 2 cases (2 eyes) with epiphora. Conclusions The novel retrograde intubation procedure is a quick, safe and easy treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryocystitis. Key words: Retrograde lacrimal intubation; Lacrimal duct obstruction; Chronic dacryocystitis