Comparison of the extrusion rate of Crawford tubes.

AIM: To compare the outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using traditional Crawford tubes (TCT) and Crawford tubes with suture (CTS) in the lumen. METHODS: Retrospective case series consisting of patients who underwent DCR between 2008 and 2013. RESULTS: A total of 61 DCRs were performed on 50 patients. Patients who underwent DCR using CTS had higher rates of prolapse compared to the TCT group (50% vs 9.4%; P=0.003). Stent removal occurred earlier in patients who received CTS (3.3mo vs 5.1mo; P=0.004). Success rates were equivalent between the two groups (75% vs 81.1%; P=0.684). CONCLUSION: CTS in the lumen increases the risk of prolapse, prompting earlier tube removal in patients following DCR for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Earlier removal of tubes does not appear to significantly decrease success rates.