Traumatic Canalicular Laceration Repair with a New Monocanalicular Silicone Tube.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a new pushed monocanalicular silicone tube in reconstructing traumatic canalicular laceration.

METHODS: This interventional case series enrolled 48 patients with a traumatic canalicular laceration. Patients with bicanalicular involvement were excluded. Canalicular repair was performed under an operating microscope and involved proximal end exploration of the canaliculus, stenting of the canaliculus with a 35-mm Masterka tube, and approximation of the lacerated canaliculi margins. After 6 months, anatomical and functional success rates were evaluated by diagnostic probing and by asking the patients (or their guardians) about tearing.

RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 32.2 ± 21.2 years (1.5-75 years). Of the 48 patients included, 38 were males. Lower canaliculus was involved in 35 patients. Other ocular injuries were observed in 38 patients. The average interval between the surgery and Masterka removal was 12.2 ± 1.4 weeks (10-16 weeks). Early tube extrusion was observed in 3 patients. No significant complication was observed in this series. Anatomical and functional success rates were 87% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that intubation of lacerated canaliculi with Masterka tube for canalicular repair was safe, effective, and simple with minimal complications.