Success rate of placement of a bicanalicular stent for partial nasolacrimal obstruction in adults under local, monitored anesthesia care and general anesthesia.

PURPOSE

To study The Kaneka Lacriflow Stent, a self-retaining bicanalicular intubation set that can be placed under local anesthetic, providing a new option to treat epiphora and partial NLDO.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SUBJECTS

93 adult patients requiring treatment for a partial NLDO were evaluated. Stents were placed in office setting under local/topical anesthetic or in OR (MAC or GEN). The stent is placed with a stylet, and self-retains due to a widened portion sitting distal to the common canaliculis. It does not require recovery from the nose.

METHODS

Outcomes analyzed to evaluate success of stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Success rate of placement of the stent in adults.

RESULTS

Stents left in place for 3 months. Results recorded 1 month after removal. Stents successfully placed in 124 of 136 (91%) eyes. Under local anesthesia in the office setting, 83 of 92 (90%) were placed successfully. Records were complete in 59 patients (78 eyes) and were analyzed further. 33 patients (52 eyes) had stents retained for the full 90 days and had follow-up recorded one-month post removal. Of the patients who retained the stents for 90 days and had full follow-up, 32 patients (51 eyes, 98%) reported improvement in their symptoms, while 1 patient reported no improvement.

CONCLUSION

Silicone intubation of the NLD in adults is rarely done due to need for general anesthesia. The Lacriflow stent can be successfully placed in the office under local anesthesia offering a new approach for tearing in adults.