Monocanalicular Lacrimal Silicone Intubation for the Treatment of Pediatric Lacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical efficacy of monocanalicular lacrimal silicone intubation in the pediatric patients with lacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: The medical records of 14 children with 14 eyes who underwent this procedure were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Monoka(r) silicone tube was used in 3 eyes and Ritleng Self-threading Monoka(r) tube, in 11 eyes. Postoperatively, epiphora was resolved in all cases between one week and 7 months. Early postoperative extrusion of silicone tube occurred in 3 eyes(21.4%). Corneal erosion in 1 eye(7.1%), and granuloma formation in another eye(7.1%) were noticed but disappeared after removal of tubes. Removal of silicone tube was easily performed postoperatively between 3 and 7 months(mean, 4.6 months) in the clinic without sedation in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Monocanalicular lacrimal intubation using especially Ritleng Self-threading Monoka(r) silicone tube is an easy technique for intubation and removal, and an effective method for the treatment of pediatric lacrimal duct obstruction.