Migration and apparent disappearance of silicone tube following treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;135(6):905-7. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(02)02234-1.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the unusual complication of migration and apparent disappearance of silicone tubes following intubation of the lacrimal drainage system.

Design: Interventional case reports.

Method: Report of two patients with an unusual tube migration process.

Results: Silicone stents migrated nasally, with healing of the erosion tract in the wake of the migrating tube. One tube became completely internalized.

Conclusions: Meticulous inspection of the medial canthal area in patients with suspected spontaneous extrusion of silicone stents from the lacrimal drainage system is warranted. Examination under anesthesia and nasal endoscopy may help locate tubes in cases of suspected nasal migration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dacryocystorhinostomy*
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnosis
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intubation / adverse effects*
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / pathology
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / surgery*
  • Silicone Elastomers / adverse effects*
  • Stents

Substances

  • Silicone Elastomers