A Case of Reconstruction of Punctal, Vertical Canaliculus, and Ampulla Laceration

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case with a rare form of laceration through the upper punctum, vertical canaliculus, ampulla, and upper eyelid. A modified method of repair involving the use of a bicanalicular silicone stent in the canalicular systems was used successfully. METHODS: A 7-year-old child with laceration through the upper punctum, vertical canaliculus, ampulla, and upper eyelid visited our hospital and was treated with the repair methods. A Crawford Probe(R) (FCI Ophthalmics, Marshfield Hills, MA, U.S.A.) was intubated. No direct suture was done to the canaliculus. Two 8-0 Vicryl sutures were passed through the orbicularis around the ampulla in circular fashion and tied. The authors evaluated the effectiveness and stability of the silicone stent. RESULTS: On the 13th day after surgery, all the lid sutures were removed. One and two months after surgery, the patient had no tearing. Three and a half months after operation, the patient visited our clinic because of prolapse of the silicone stent to the ocular side. Irrigation through the lacrimal passage was normal and the stent was removed. Two months after removal, the patient was free from symptom with a patent canaliculus.