This study compares the success rate of silicone tube intubation between nasolacrimal duct obstruction and stenosis according to dacryocystographic findings.

A total of 115 patients who suffered from epiphora were divided into nasolacrimal duct obstruction and nasolacrimal duct stenosis according to dacryocystographic findings. Silicone tube intubation was performed on every patient. The success rate was estimated based on functional and anatomical success. Functional success was estimated by patient's satisfaction with 'good' or 'fair' at the last visit, and anatomical success was estimated by decrease or normalization of tear meniscus height. Surgery success was defined when anatomical and functional successes were fulfilled.

Success rate of silicone tube intubation was 75.76% for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction based on dacryocystography, and 86.59% for patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis based on dacryocystography; the difference was not statistically significant (Pearson chi-square test, p = 0.693).

Silicone tube intubation can be considered as a primary treatment option for management of epiphora in nasolacrimal duct stenosis and obstruction.