Jongyeop Park1, Hochang Kim2. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, 1090-1 Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 780-350, South Korea. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, 1090-1 Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 780-350, South Korea. ophho@hanmail.net.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of sequential probing for diagnosing lacrimal canalicular stenosis, and the effectiveness of bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation in treatment. METHODS: Canalicular stenosis was diagnosed by sequential probing in 22 patients (22 eyes) who were misdiagnosed as canalicular obstruction. The patients were treated by bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation. Anatomical improvements and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated. In addition, complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the 22 patients was 57 years, and the average follow-up period was 13 months. The silicone tube was left in place for an average of 14 weeks. The anatomical success rate was 100 %. Fifty-four percent of patients achieved complete relief of epiphora, 32 % partial relief, and 14 % no relief. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential probing is an useful diagnostic method for canalicular stenosis. Bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation is a simple and effective treatment, and could be performed as primary procedure for canalicular stenosis before invasive surgery.
PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of sequential probing for diagnosing lacrimal canalicular stenosis, and the effectiveness of bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation in treatment. METHODS:Canalicular stenosis was diagnosed by sequential probing in 22 patients (22 eyes) who were misdiagnosed as canalicular obstruction. The patients were treated by bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation. Anatomical improvements and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated. In addition, complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the 22 patients was 57 years, and the average follow-up period was 13 months. The silicone tube was left in place for an average of 14 weeks. The anatomical success rate was 100 %. Fifty-four percent of patients achieved complete relief of epiphora, 32 % partial relief, and 14 % no relief. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential probing is an useful diagnostic method for canalicular stenosis. Bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation is a simple and effective treatment, and could be performed as primary procedure for canalicular stenosis before invasive surgery.
Authors: Christopher I Zoumalan; Elizabeth A Maher; Gary J Lelli; Richard D Lisman Journal: Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2010 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.746