Evaluation of anatomical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing repair of traumatic canalicular laceration.

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate functional and anatomical success of traumatic canalicular laceration repair.

Methods: Consecutive patients who presented at Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Eye Clinic, İzmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Medicine and had canalicular laceration repair performed by the same surgeon between January 2009 and December 2014 were included in the study. Demographic data, length of time between injury and surgery, and cause of the trauma, surgical method employed, and duration of follow-up were recorded. Postoperative epiphora was evaluated using Munk score. Patency of lacrimal system was assessed with canalicular irrigation.

Results: Thirty-five male and 6 female patients were included in the study. Mean age of 41 participants was 31.85±18.9 years (range: 1-79 years). Avulsive injury was observed in 66% (n=27), and direct (penetrating) injury in 34% (n=14). Distribution of injured canaliculi was as follows: left inferior canaliculus 63.4% (n=26), right inferior canaliculus 19.5% (n=8), right superior canaliculus 9.8% (n=4), and left superior canaliculus 7.3% (n=3). Thirty-four patients had monocanalicular tube implantation (mini-Monoka) and 10 patients had bicanalicular annular intubation using pigtail probe. Average follow-up time was 6±5.7 months. Munk score was Grade 0 in all patients. Canalicular irrigation indicated all canaliculi were patent.

Conclusion: Recent microsurgical techniques result in successful repair of canalicular laceration.