Treatment of the SmartPLUG-related Canaliculitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report on the treatment approach of canaliculitis related to SmartPLUG use and its clinical manifestation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of eight patients who had canaliculitis after the insertion of the SmartPLUG was conducted. RESULTS: Seven out of eight cases with canaliculitis related to the SmartPLUG required extraction of the SmartPLUG. While four cases were removed with only retrograde massage, two cases required surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Canaliculitis related to SmartPLUG use is rarely reported. However, canaliculitis as a complication is difficult to treat and often leads to surgery. In canaliculitis related to SmartPLUG use, retrograde massage as a non-surgical method for the simple and effective removal of the SmartPLUG can be beneficial.