Canalicular Laceration Repair With Three Different Intubation Techniques: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Lacrimal System Anatomy

Background:

• Canalicular lacerations necessitate prompt surgical repair to preserve lacrimal function and prevent epiphora.
• Current intubation techniques for canalicular repair lack a universally agreed-upon optimal method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and complication rates of monocanalicular, bicanalicular, and annular intubation techniques in patients undergoing surgical repair of canalicular lacerations.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 165 patients who underwent canalicular repair surgery between January 1998 and August 2023.
• Analysis of monocanalicular, bicanalicular, and annular intubation methods, evaluating anatomical success (patency), functional success (epiphora absence), complication rates, and tube retention duration.

Main Results:

• Monocanalicular intubation was the most frequent technique (46.7%), followed by annular (29.1%) and bicanalicular (24.2%).
• Overall anatomical and functional success rates were high (95.7% and 90.7%, respectively).
• Monocanalicular intubation was linked to fewer complications compared to bicanalicular intubation (p = 0.047), with slit-like punctum and conjunctival irritation being the most common issues (2.4% each).

Conclusions:

• The choice of intubation technique significantly influences complication rates, with monocanalicular intubation demonstrating the lowest incidence.
• Despite varying complication rates, all intubation methods achieved comparable high anatomical and functional success.
• A strong negative correlation exists between complications and anatomical success, highlighting the importance of minimizing adverse events for optimal surgical outcomes.