title: Trauma of the lacrimal drainage system: retrospective study of 32 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess retrospectively the results and complications of surgical techniques applied in the treatment of patients with trauma of the lacrimal drainage system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Out of 32 patients with lacrimal drainage system trauma included in the study, 25 were treated at the University Eye Clinic, Ljubljana Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 1999 to 2003, and 7 were referred for secondary repair from other health care institutions in the same time period. All patients with fresh injuries underwent surgery within 48 h. The patients were followed up to a year after surgery. We evaluated the function of the lacrimal drainage system by irrigation at the last follow-up visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patent lacrimal drainage system was achieved in all 25 patients with primary reconstruction of the injury. Restenosis of the canaliculus occurred in 4 out of 7 patients after secondary reconstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early repair of the lacrimal drainage system eliminates complications in comparison with secondary repair. Repair of the lacrimal drainage system may be delayed for up to 48 h, if an experienced operating team is available.
authors.affiliation: University Eye Clinic, Ljubljana Medical Center, Zaloska c. 29/a, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia. brigita.drnovsek@kclj.si
authors.forename: Brigita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Drnovsek-Olup
authors.forename: Matej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beltram
mesh_terms: D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome