Monocanalicular Silicone Stent Insertion in Children with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of Mini Monoka silicone stent insertion in treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children. METHODS: In 67 eyes of 61 children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the Mini Monoka silicone stent was inserted after probing under general anesthesia. The duration of epiphora or discharge, the age at the time of surgery, and probing history were recorded. The surgical results and postoperative complications were analyzed for the cases herein of Mini Monoka silicone stent insertion. RESULTS: The technical success rate of Mini Monoka silicone stent insertion was 91% in children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and the success rate for children without probing history was much higher than for those with probing history (81.5 97.5%, p=0.035). Postoperatively, the symptoms were resolved in 54 of 61 eyes (88.5%). The duration of preoperative symptoms was shorter in the successful group than in the failed group (15.9+/-7.1 21.9+/-8.8 months, p=0.044). Mini Monoka silicone tube was easily removed at 5.6 months after insertion in the clinic. Dacryocystitis was found to be a complication in two eyes yet was resolved without recurrence. Of the seven eyes with spontaneous extrusion of the stent, symptoms subsided in five eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Mini Monoka silicone stent insertion is an effective and relatively easy method, with a low risk of complication, to treatment children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.