One-snip punctoplasty and canalicular curettage through the punctum: a minimally invasive surgical procedure for primary canaliculitis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate treatment results of canalicular curettage through the punctum after 1-snip punctoplasty for primary canaliculitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients with primary canaliculitis who were treated at Seoul National University Hospital between February 2005 and January 2008.

METHODS

All patients underwent 1-snip punctoplasty and canalicular curettage through the punctum, and granules or concretions were removed. After the procedure, oral and topical antibiotics were used for 3 weeks. Demographic data and clinical presentations of the patients were analyzed. The resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs and complications were evaluated 3 weeks after the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Resolution rate of the canaliculitis and complications after the procedure.

RESULTS

There was a female predominance in the study group (23:7). Common symptoms of canaliculitis included discharge, tearing, and pus or concretions from the punctum. During the procedure, concretions, granules, or discharges were drained in all patients. In 25 (83.3%) of 30 patients, the symptoms and signs of canaliculitis completely resolved 3 weeks after 1 treatment. Two patients (6.7%) required additional curettage. Symptomatic canalicular strictures developed in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Materials were removed easily from the canaliculus using a 1-snip punctoplasty and curettage through the punctum. This procedure, combined with systemic and topical antibiotic therapy, can be a highly effective treatment for primary canaliculitis.