Purpose: To compare the efficacy and tolerance between silicone tube and treated polymer surface (PVP) tube of the bicanalicular intubation.
Methods: A randomized prospective study was performed in 50 patients (coated between March 96 and July 97) with chronic tearing. 25 classic intubations (silicone) and 25 with PVP was used. Intubations were performed for 2 months. Functional signs and objectives parameters at the medial canthus and the nasal mucous membrane were compared.
Results: There was no difference about functional signs between the 2 groups of patients. Objective signs (hyperemia, secretions) observed in the medial canthus and the nasal mucous membrane were less pronounced with the treated polymer surface tube.
Conclusion: This study confirms the great potential of treated polymer surface tube.