Canalicular laceration repair using a self-retaining, bicanalicular, hydrophilic nasolacrimal stent.

Purpose: To evaluate outcomes of primary eyelid and canalicular laceration repair using a self-retaining bicanalicular hydrophilic nasolacrimal stent.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of seven patients with canalicular laceration primarily repaired with a self-retaining bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent within 72 hours of initial injury. After lacrimal intubation, repair was performed by reapproximation of the lacerated tissues. Data collection included ophthalmic examination, mechanism of injury, involvement of upper/lower/common canaliculi, symptoms of epiphora, operative time, stent extrusion and canalicular irrigation.

Results

Seven patients with monocanalicular laceration were repaired using the self-retaining bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent. The stent was left in place an average of 5 months. The average operative time was 29.3 minutes. None of the stents extruded prior to removal. After 5 months, the stent was removed successfully without difficulty. All patients reported subjective improvement in epiphora, with complete resolution of symptoms. Anatomic success was confirmed with irrigation in all cases. There were no complications associated with usage of the self-retaining bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent.

Conclusions

Primary repair of canalicular lacerations can be successfully performed with a self-retaining bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent. This stent has several advantages, including potentially faster operative times, no need for intranasal fixation or retrieval, easier intubation in the lacrimal system, and improved anatomic reapproximation of lacerated tissues.