title: Comparing pericanalicular sutures with direct canalicular wall sutures for canalicular laceration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether a statistically significant difference exists between direct canalicular wall sutures (DCs) and pericanalicular sutures (PCs) in the repair of traumatic canalicular lacerations.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 63 patients who underwent primary repairs for traumatic canalicular lacerations were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the suturing techniques used: the DC group (n = 41) and the PC group (n = 22). Anatomic results were compared between these 2 groups. A successful result was determined by attempted irrigation and probing of the injured canaliculus at the last follow-up visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 6 failed procedures among the patients who underwent pericanalicular repair and 1 failed procedure among the patients who underwent direct canalicular wall repair (p = 0.024).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data support the higher success rates in patients treated with direct canalicular repair compared with pericanalicular repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yen-Chang
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Lih
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Shu-Ya
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yueh-Ju
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007440:Intubation / Q000379:methods; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D013536:Suture Techniques