The Effect of Punctoplasty with Pigtail Probe for Canalicular Intubation in Patients with Punctal Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the surgical results of a punctoplasty with insertion of a silicone tube using a pigtail probe for the management of acquired punctal obstruction. METHODS: The medical records of 61 patients who underwent an operation for the management of punctual obstruction were reviewed. After punctal dilation, fluorescein dye disappearance test was performed to evaluate its efficacy. In the case of no functional delay after punctal dilation, three-snip punctoplasty with a silicone tube using a pigtail probe was performed. In the case of a functional delay, three-snip punctoplasty with a silicone tube into the nasolacrimal duct was performed. RESULTS: The surgical success over 1 year was 39.1% in patients who underwent only three-snip punctoplasty, 79.2% in patients who underwent a three-snip punctoplasty with a silicone tube insertion into the nasolacrimal duct, and 85.7% in patients who underwent a three-snip punctoplasty with canalicular intubation using a pigtail probe. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a pigtail probe for canalicular intubation together with a three-snip punctoplasty is useful to prevent the recurrence of punctal obstruction.