Ballooning canaliculoplasty after lacrimal trephination in monocanalicular and common canalicular obstruction.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical effect of balloon canaliculoplasty with LacriCATH after lacrimal trephination in monocanalicular and common canalicular obstruction.

METHODS

Silicone intubation following ballooning dilation with a 2-mm-diameter catheter after lacrimal trephination was attempted in 66 eyes of 62 patients (10 men, 52 women; mean age, 67.3 years; age range, 34-77 years) with epiphora due to monocanalicular or common canalicular obstruction between January 2003 and February 2005. A total of 56 of the 66 eyes had common canalicular obstruction, and ten had monocanalicular obstruction.

RESULTS

The cause of obstruction in 54 (81.8%) eyes was idiopathic. Overall initial technical improvement was achieved in 64 (97.0%) eyes (common canalicular obstruction, 56/56, 100%; monocanalicular obstruction, 8/10, 80.0%) Immediate clinical improvement was achieved in 54 eyes (81.8%). The cumulative patency rates at the last clinic visit were 53.6% in cases of common canalicular obstruction and 25.0% in cases of monocanalicular obstruction. Causes of failure were combined nasolacrimal duct obstruction, recurrent monocanalicular obstruction, and acute canaliculitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon canaliculoplasty after lacrimal trephination is a simple and safe method that may be a good alternative treatment for common canalicular and distal canalicular obstructions, before resorting to conjunctivodacryorhinostomy with Jones tube insertion.