title: Sequential probing and dilatation in canalicular stenosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the usefulness of sequential probing for diagnosing lacrimal canalicular stenosis, and the effectiveness of bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation in treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Canalicular stenosis was diagnosed by sequential probing in 22 patients (22 eyes) who were misdiagnosed as canalicular obstruction. The patients were treated by bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation. Anatomical improvements and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated. In addition, complications were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of the 22 patients was 57 years, and the average follow-up period was 13 months. The silicone tube was left in place for an average of 14 weeks. The anatomical success rate was 100 %. Fifty-four percent of patients achieved complete relief of epiphora, 32 % partial relief, and 14 % no relief. There were no complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sequential probing is an useful diagnostic method for canalicular stenosis. Bicanalicular silicone intubation after sequential dilatation is a simple and effective treatment, and could be performed as primary procedure for canalicular stenosis before invasive surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, 1090-1 Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 780-350, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jongyeop
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, 1090-1 Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 780-350, South Korea. ophho@hanmail.net.
authors.forename: Hochang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000473:pathology*; D012828:Silicones; D015607:Stents; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones
keywords: Canalicular stenosis; Sequential dilatation; Sequential probing