Conjunctival incision for primary conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube

PURPOSE: To study a conjunctival incision approach for primary conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube insertion. METHODS: This technique was applied throughout an 8-year period on 13 adult patients; each presented with complete lacrimal obstruction at the common canaliculus and excessive tearing. RESULTS: Surgical outcome was successful, with no external facial scarring, Follow-up ranged from 9 months to 7 years (median, 4.5 years), Complications included a tube exchange in one patient and occasional tearing in another. CONCLUSION: A conjunctival incision approach to conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with Jones tube insertion is an alternative technique for adult patients, especially those known (or potential) keloid-former cases, or those preferring not to undergo laser treatment and wanting to avoid an external facial scar. (Am J Ophthalmol 2000;129:244-245, (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).