Monocanalicular versus bicanalicular silicone intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

To compare the success rate of monocanalicular versus bicanalicular silicone intubation of the nasolacrimal duct for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 70 eyes of 57 children with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation (MCI) (n = 35 eyes) or bicanalicular silicone intubation (BCI) (n = 35 eyes). All procedures were performed by 1 oculoplastic surgeon. Tube removal was planned for 3 months postoperatively. The results were assessed using a Munk score. Treatment success was defined as Munk score 0-1 at 3 months after tube removal.

The surgical outcome was assessed in 29 eyes with MCI and 27 eyes with BCI. The mean age of treatment was 34.9 ± 12.7 months for MCI and 38.7 ± 18.6 months for BCI. Treatment success was achieved in 25 of 29 eyes (86.2%; 95% CI, 79%-96%) in the MCI group compared with 24 of 27 eyes (89%; 95% CI, 84%-94%) in the BCI group (RR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.79-1.18). There were no corneal or canalicular complications in either group.

MCI and BCI were successful in a similar percentage of children with CNLDO. The mainadvantage of the former technique was easy tube removal without sedation in the office.