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Published on: February 16, 2022
Pediatric canalicular laceration repair using the Mini Monoka versus Masterka monocanalicular stent
Mehmet Serhat Mangan1, Sevil Gul Turan2, Serap Yurttaser Ocak2
1Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sadik Eratik Eye Clinic, Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Purpose:
One of the most important disadvantages of using Mini Monoka stents in pediatric canalicular laceration repair is premature stent loss. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes between the use of Mini Monoka and Masterka monocanalicular stents in children and discuss the potential causes of premature stent loss.
Methods:
The medical records of 36 patients who underwent surgical repair of canalicular lacerations were retrospectively reviewed. Children aged <18 years who underwent canalicular laceration repair with either Mini Monoka or Masterka and had at least 6 months of follow-up after stent removal were included in the study. The patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, type of stent used, premature stent loss, and success rate were analyzed. Success was defined as stent removal without subsequent epiphora and premature stent loss.
Results:
Twenty-seven children fulfilled our study criteria, and their data were included in the analyses. Mini Monoka was used in 14 patients (51.9%), whereas Masterka was used in 13 patients (48.1%). The preoperative clinical features, including age, sex, and mechanism of injury, were similar between the two groups. The mean age was 8.3 ± 5.5 years in the Mini Monoka group and 7.8 ± 5.9 years in the Masterka group (p=0.61). Three patients in the Mini Monoka group (21.4%) underwent reoperation due to premature stent loss. No premature stent loss was observed in the Masterka group. As a result, the rate of success was 78.6% in the Mini Monoka group, whereas it was 100% in the Masterka group (p=0.22).
Conclusions:
Even though the two groups did not show any statistically significant difference in success rate, we did not observe any premature stent loss in the Masterka group. Further studies with larger and randomized series are warranted to elaborate on these findings.
Insights
Masterka monocanalicular stents showed no premature loss in pediatric canalicular repair, unlike Mini Monoka stents. This suggests Masterka may offer improved outcomes for children needing canalicular laceration repair.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Premature stent loss is a significant complication in pediatric canalicular laceration repair using Mini Monoka stents.
- This study addresses the need for improved outcomes in such procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical outcomes of Mini Monoka and Masterka monocanalicular stents in pediatric canalicular laceration repair.
- To investigate potential causes of premature stent loss.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing canalicular laceration repair.
- Analysis of data from 27 patients who received either Mini Monoka or Masterka stents and had at least 6 months follow-up.
- Comparison of demographics, injury type, stent type, premature loss, and success rates.
Main Results:
- Masterka stents were used in 13 patients (48.1%) and Mini Monoka in 14 (51.9%).
- No premature stent loss occurred in the Masterka group, compared to 21.4% in the Mini Monoka group.
- Success rates were 100% for Masterka and 78.6% for Mini Monoka.
Conclusions:
- While not statistically significant in this series, the Masterka stent demonstrated zero premature stent loss.
- The Masterka stent may be a more reliable option for pediatric canalicular repair.
- Further randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

