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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Balloon catheter dilatation of common canaliculus stenoses
Ulrich Lachmund1, Dagmar Ammann-Rauch, Andreas Forrer
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland. lachmundulrich@bluewin.ch
Insights
Balloon catheter dacryocystoplasty effectively treats common canaliculus stenosis with minimal complications. This minimally invasive procedure offers an alternative to traditional methods for epiphora relief.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics
Background:
- Stenosis of the common canaliculus causes epiphora.
- Traditional treatments like silicone tube implantation can yield disappointing results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of balloon catheter dacryocystoplasty for common canaliculus stenosis.
Main Methods:
- 36 patients with high-grade common canaliculus stenosis underwent balloon catheter dilatation under local anesthesia.
- Specific balloon sizes were used for common canaliculus and nasolacrimal duct obstructions.
Main Results:
- Technical success was achieved in 34/36 patients.
- Restenosis occurred in 4/36 patients within 9 months, with two successfully re-dilated.
- No complications were reported during the procedures.
Conclusions:
- Balloon catheter dilatation is a minimally invasive, effective alternative for common canaliculus stenosis.
- It offers a viable option when other treatments are less successful or indicated.
Objective:
To determine the efficacy of balloon catheter dacryocystoplasty in treating stenoses of the common canaliculus.
Materials And Methods:
Between 1997 and 2004, elective balloon catheter dilatation was performed under local anesthesia in 36 patients with epiphora and dacryocystography (DCG)-proven high-grade stenosis of the common canaliculus. Eight of the 36 patients had additional stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct. A 2.5-mm diameter balloon was used for common canaliculus obstructions, a 3-mm balloon for nasolacrimal duct obstructions.
Results:
Dilatation was technically successful in 34/36 patients. In 2/36 patients the guide wire could not be advanced beyond the obstruction. There were no complications. During a mean follow-up of 9 months restenosis occurred in 4/36 patients, in one of whom it led to occlusion of the common canaliculus; a chronic dacryocystitis had already resulted in occlusion of the common canaliculus in this patient's other eye. Two of four restenoses were successfully dilated in a second procedure. In one patient, a bilateral presaccal occlusion was suspected clinically. DCG revealed a high-grade common canaliculus stenosis in both eyes. After balloon catheter dilatation the patient was complaint free in one eye, and in the other eye symptoms improved.
Conclusions:
The therapy of choice for common canaliculus stenoses in addition to canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy is silicone tube implantation. The results of both procedures, however, are often disappointing. Balloon catheter dilatation is a minimally invasive technique carried out under local anesthesia which represents an alternative therapy option for the treatment of stenoses of the common canaliculus.
