Bicanalicular versus monocanalicular intubation after failed probing in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical outcomes of different intubation techniques in the cases of failed primary probing.


METHODS
This retrospective study was performed on 338 patients with the diagnosis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with age 1-4y that had failed primary probing. Intubation was performed under light sedation in operating room and the stent was left 3mo in place. Clinical outcome was investigated 3mo after tube removal.


RESULTS
Bicanalicular intubation method had higher complete and relative success rates compared to monocanalicular intubation (P=0.00). In addition, Monoka intubation had better outcomes compared to Masterka technique (P=0.046). No difference was found between genders but the higher the age, the better the outcomes with bicanalicular technique rather than monocanalicular.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall success rate of bicanalicular intubation is superior to monocanalicular technique especially in older ages. Also, based upon our clinical outcomes, Masterka intubation is not recommended in cases of failed probing.
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Mohammad Taher
MT
Rajabi
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Najmeh
N
Zavarzadeh
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Alireza
A
Mahmoudi
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Mohammad Karim
MK
Johari
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Seyedeh Simindokht
SS
Hosseini
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Yalda
Y
Abrishami
Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran.
Mohammad Bagher
MB
Rajabi
congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction; failed probing; intubation