A Clinical Study on Silicone Intubation for Canalicular Laceration

Kim, Sang Duck; Yang, Yong Song; Kim, Jae Duck

Abstract

Recently, intubation of silicone tubes have become popular for canalicular laceration. The surgery can be done with monocanalicular or bicanalicular methods. Fifteen cases of lacerated canaliculi were repaired using the silicone tube stents (seven monocanalicular stents, eight bicanalicular stents). An endoscope was used to reduce inferior meatal injury during surgery. The follow-up period was from six to eighteen months(mean, thirteen months). Four cases using the monocanalicular method and eight cases using the bicanalicular method were successful. Three cases of monocanalicular method had epiphora with canalicular obstruction due to early loss of the silicone tube. In monocanalicular method, postoperative complications were as the foUowing two cases of punctal granulomas, two cases of punctal slits and three cases of early loss of the silicone tube. All cases showed nasal bleeding. In bicanalicular method, postoperative complications occurred in one case each of conjunctival irritation sign and loop retraction. In our conclusion, the success rate of bicanaJicular stents in higher than that of monocanalicular stents for canalicular laceration. Also, use of an endoscope will help to reduce pain and nasal bleeding during the surgery.