Indications and techniques for intubation of the lacrimal ducts

There are several well established methods to correct congenital and acquired lacrimal canalicular stenosis. The primary goal of all these surgical methods is the reopening and recanalization of a functional lacrimal pathway. Intubation by bicanalicular or monocanalicular silicone tubes has been established as a means of enhancing the redevelopment of a smooth epithelial surface and keeping the recanalized tear ducts continuously open. The use after endocanalicular surgery is mostly undisputed and unequivocally advocated after trauma but the use after either endonasal or transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy is still controversial as there is no clear evidence that it produces superior results. There are several systems available to place monocanalicular or bicanalicular silicone tubes. The decision to place an intubation depends mainly on the level and the type of stenosis.