AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of canalicular intubation combined with external dacryocystorhinostomy(ext-DCR)for treatment of chronic dacryocystitis and upper lacrimal duct stenosis.

METHODS: Thirty-three patients(33 eyes)with chronic dacryocystitis and upper lacrimal duct stenosis who underwent canalicular intubation combined ext-DCR were retrospective analyzed. The silicon tube was indwelt for 6mo. All cases were re-examined 1wk; 1, 3, 6, 9mo post-operation, flow of tears, pus excretion and lacrimal duct clearance were observed.

RESULTS: Clear lacrimal duct ratio was 100% in all cases during 1wk～6mo post-operation; Silicon tube was removed 6mo post-operation, 3mo after tube removal, rechecking reported 32 cases with clear lacrimal duct(97%)and 1 case with resistant duct(3%). Two cases(6%)with minor lacerations, no other complications were observed.

CONCLUSION: Canalicular intubation combined ext-DCR is an effective treatment for chronic dacryocystitis and upper lacrimal duct stenosis.