Tear drainage in traumatic canalicular fistula.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the function of the canaliculus with fistula after canalicular laceration repair.

METHODS

Patients with monocanalicular fistula following canalicular laceration repair were evaluated with dye disappearance test (DDT). Temporary collagen plugs were used to occlude the uninvolved canaliculus in the ipsilateral eye and the corresponding canaliculus in the contralateral eye. After 24 hours of placement of the temporary plugs, the same evaluation was repeated.

RESULTS

Ten patients with unilateral monocanalicular fistulas were evaluated. None of the patients had epiphora before and after placement of temporary plugs and DDT, and tear meniscus continued to be normal both in the affected and the unaffected eyes after temporary plug placement.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the presence of canalicular fistula at the site of repair did not affect tear drainage.