Effectiveness of canalicular laceration repair using monocanalicular intubation with Monoka tubes.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of canalicular laceration repair using monocanalicular intubation with Monoka tubes.


METHODS
A total of 36 single lacerated canaliculi were repaired using monocanalicular intubation with Monoka tubes, without mucosal anastomosis of the canaliculi, and were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, injury locations, associated ocular injuries, complications and outcomes were analysed.


RESULTS
Mean patient age was 34 years (range 1-64 years). Tubes were removed at a mean of 4.2 months (range 3-6 months). There were 26 lower canalicular lacerations (72%) and 10 upper canalicular lacerations (28%). Overall, 34 of 36 cases (92%) showed improvement in symptoms and exhibited positivity on the dye disappearance test at 4-12 months after the procedure (mean 7.8 months). In total, 21 patients (58%) achieved complete success, 13 patients (36%) achieved partial success and two patients (6%) suffered surgical failure. Complications were seen in five cases and included two early tube protrusions, two punctal slits and one punctal granuloma.


CONCLUSIONS
Monocanalicular intubation with Monoka tubes leads to successful outcomes without significant complications and offers an alternative to bicanalicular intubation in the treatment of monocanalicular lacerations.
Lee
Hwa
H
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Chi
Mijung
M
Park
Minsoo
M
Baek
Sehyun
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome