Intubation for a blocked tear duct

Content provided by Healthwise

Intubation for a blocked tear duct

Blocked tear ducts are sometimes cleared using a procedure called intubation. During intubation, two small wire probes attached to silicone tubes are passed into the upper and lower tear duct openings (puncta) and down the tear duct drainage system into the nasal cavity. The wires are removed and the tubes are tied or sewn in place to keep the tear ducts open. Intubation is usually done as part of a probing procedure in the hospital using general anesthesia.

From 3 to 16 weeks after surgery, the person returns to the doctor's office, and the tubes are removed. Anesthesia is usually not needed when the tubes are taken out.

Some doctors leave the tubes in place for 6 months to a year. This causes a new lining to form around the tubes, leaving an open channel in the tear duct when the tubes are removed.

Intubation leaves no facial scars and has less risk of complications than dacryocystorhinostomy, which is a procedure that creates a new tear duct canal. Intubation is sometimes used when a person:

Has a partial blockage of a tear duct.
Has had one or more failed probing attempts and who still has symptoms of a blocked tear duct.
Wants to avoid the surgical incision (on the face) that results from dacryocystorhinostomy.
Has had dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, and the tear duct has become blocked again.

Risks of intubation include the following:

The tube may loosen and move out of place.
The hole in the corner of the eyelid through which tears drain (punctum) may be damaged.
The lining of the eyelids (conjunctiva) may become irritated.
The person may feel discomfort inside his or her nose.

It is common to have a watery eye after surgery. Tears cannot drain as well through the affected tear duct while the very small tubes from the intubation are still in place.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last Updated	April 11, 2008

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	April 11, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.