the effect of bicanalicular intubation on success rate of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction

purpose: to compare the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy (dcr) with and without bicanalicular silicone intubation for the management of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. methods: in this study, 51 eyes from 50 patients who were diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent external dcr. patients with history of trauma and/ or surgery in the periorbital area, and punctal or canalicular obstruction were excluded from the study. in 25 eyes, bicanalicular silicone intubation was performed intraoperatively (group 1), while 26 eyes underwent dcr without intubation (group 2).  the evaluated variables were age, gender, history, and presenting symptoms. all procedures were performed by one oculoplastic surgeon. tube removal was planned for 6 weeks postoperatively and 3 months after tube removal treatment success was assessed. treatment was considered successful if munk score was 0-1 three months after tube removal. results: the mean age ± standard deviation was 48.3±21.2 and 46±15.7 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.66). the male/female ratio was 9/17 and 5/20, respectively (p=0.242). the mean age of male and female participants in each study group was 38.3±16.2, 53.5±22 and 37.6±18.2, 48.1±14.8 years, respectively. the mean follow up was 6.1±1.6 weeks in group 1 and 7.2±2.5 weeks in group 2. conclusion: both techniques have high success rate. we believe that the success rate depends mainly on the surgeon’s experience.