Endoscopy-guided transcaruncular Jones tube intubation without dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: To evaluate the functional surgical success, complications, and degree of satisfaction after endoscopy-guided transcaruncular Jones tube intubation without dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Methods: A pair of Westcott scissors was passed into the nose from the side of the caruncle, and the lacrimal bone was penetrated between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. After the proper length of Jones tube was decided, the tube was inserted into the nasal cavity and fixed at the caruncle with nonabsorbable suture material. This procedure was done without DCR. We retrospectively reviewed the 60 patients (70 eyes) with canalicular obstruction who underwent Jones tube intubation in this manner. Results: The overall success rate was 91.4%. The length of Jones tube used ranged from 16 to 30mm. Retrograde air blowing into the eye via the Jones tube was the most common complaint (25 of 70 eyes). Complications of this technique included tube problems (25.7%), in particular, downward displacement (22.9%), which was corrected easily in the outpatient clinic, and extrusion. Other complications were frequent inflammation and conjunctival growth over the tube opening. Conclusions: Endoscopy-guided Jones tube intubation without DCR is a simple and useful procedure for correcting canalicular obstruction.