[Analysis of the efficacy of the large mono-canalicular intubation stent in the treatment of lacrimation caused by congenital obstruction of the lacrimal ducts in infants].

BACKGROUND

Bicanaliculo-nasal intubation (BCNI) is considered as the method of choice in the treatment of naso-lacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children. Side effects of BCNI are possible and monocanaliculo-nasal intubation (MCNI) provides the same results with fewer complications. Nevertheless, most of the short duration monocanaliculonasal stent complications concern the migration of the silicone stent in the canaliculus. We thought that this fact may be linked with the shape of the head of the monocanaliculonasal stent and decided to alter it.

METHODS

Monocanaliculo-nasal intubation was performed in 52 cases, in 41 children, using a modified silicone mono-canalicular stent (large collarette stent).

RESULTS

The results were compared with a reference series of 52 cases treated with the classical silicone mono-canalicular stent intubation. The rate of success was comparable in both series, but fewer complications were observed with this new device. In particular, no migration of the silicone in the canaliculus occurred.

CONCLUSION

The authors state that this modified mono-canalicular stent decreases the lacrimo-nasal intubation morbidity without altering its effectiveness.