[Causes, surgical methods and results of primary management canaliculus injuries].

A retrospective study of the results obtained from surgical treatment after canaliculus injuries during the period 1981 to 1987 at the Munich University Eye Hospital. The surgical treatment involved a ring intubation of both canaliculi with a silicone rod inserted with a pigtail probe (Kellnar probe). In 45 patients with an average follow up period of 2.1 years we found a 91% success rate with anatomical reconstruction of the injured canaliculus. Although the lacrimal passages were patent, 4% of these patients complained of epiphora. We analyse the circumstances of the injury, the age of the patient and complications. The discussion includes a review of relevant literature.