Anatomical and functional outcomes of canalicular laceration repair with self retaining mini-MONOKA stent.

AIM: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of canalicular laceration repair with self retaining monocanalicular intubation system (Mini-MONOKA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 29 patients undergoing canalicular laceration repair from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Operative details and complications were noted. The stent was removed earliest at 3 months. Anatomical and functional success was defined by a patent syringing and the absence of epiphora respectively.

RESULTS: Out of 29 patients, 23 (79.3%) were males. Mean age at presentation was 19.3 ± 13.8 years. Lower canaliculus was involved in 19 (65.5%), upper in 8 (27.5%) and both canaliculi in 2 (6.8%). Ten patients presented later than 11 days after trauma (range 12-168 days), and repair was attempted successfully in all. Fourteen (48.2%) cases reported for stent removal, at a mean follow-up period of 4.64 ± 2.12 months. Anatomical success was noted in 12 (85.71%) and functional success in 13 (92.85%) cases. Four patients had stent related complications.

CONCLUSION: Canalicular injuries are more common in young males. Mini-MONOKA stents are easy to insert and retrieve, and yield excellent anatomical and functional outcome. Canalicular laceration repair can be attempted successfully irrespective of the delay in presentation.