Minimal Stitch Canalicular Repair of Canalicular Lacerations

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the results of minimal stitch on the restoration of tissue after canalicular laceration. METHODS: We have operated using sutures of tissues around canalicular laceration by inserting bicanalicular silicone stents and minimal horizontal mattress sutures with 8-0 Vicryl in cases of canalicular laceration instead of the existing method for the past 6 years. The ages of patients ranged from 2 to 76 years (average age 39.8+/-17.4 years), with most patients in their thirties (12 patients, 40%), 30 cases underwent canalicular repair with minimal stitch and bicanalicular silicone stent insertion within 24 hours after trauma. The silicone stent was removed 3 months after the operation if the patient did not complain of epiphroa while the canalicular remained open. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes (83.3%) showed symptom improvement and good passage in lacrimal syringing test in 4~12 months (average: 6.8+/-2.2 months) of follow-up study. Complications included one case each of fistula formation, stent prolapse, and wound infection, and two cases of canalicular stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this method because of its satisfying success ratio.