Monocanalicular versus bicanalicular silicone intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the success rate of monocanalicular versus bicanalicular silicone intubation of the nasolacrimal duct for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

METHODS

In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 70 eyes of 57 children with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation (MCI) (n = 35 eyes) or bicanalicular silicone intubation (BCI) (n = 35 eyes). All procedures were performed by 1 oculoplastic surgeon. Tube removal was planned for 3 months postoperatively. The results were assessed using a Munk score. Treatment success was defined as Munk score 0-1 at 3 months after tube removal.

RESULTS

The surgical outcome was assessed in 29 eyes with MCI and 27 eyes with BCI. The mean age of treatment was 34.9 ± 12.7 months for MCI and 38.7 ± 18.6 months for BCI. Treatment success was achieved in 25 of 29 eyes (86.2%; 95% CI, 79%-96%) in the MCI group compared with 24 of 27 eyes (89%; 95% CI, 84%-94%) in the BCI group (RR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.79-1.18). There were no corneal or canalicular complications in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

MCI and BCI were successful in a similar percentage of children with CNLDO. The mainadvantage of the former technique was easy tube removal without sedation in the office.