If probings are not successful, plastic or silicone tubes can be placed in the drainage canals. This is a longer procedure than probing and requires general anesthesia. Rarely, further surgery is needed to bypass the blocked tear duct to create a new opening through the bone into the nose. As with any surgical procedure, there is the possibility of infection or bleeding. Scarring can re-obstruct the opening, requiring additional surgery.
Chronic obstruction can lead to infections of the tear sac at any age.