A novel procedure for treating canalicular obstruction by re-canaliculisation and bicanalicular intubation.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new procedure for treating canalicular obstruction by re-canaliculisation and bicanalicular intubation (RC-BCI). Thirty adult patients (32 eyes) with canalicular obstruction were treated with RC-BCI from September 2005 to December 2007 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre (Guangzhou, China). Silicone tubes were left in place for 2-3 months and were removed when patients had relief by tearing. Patients were evaluated postoperatively by symptoms, lacrimal irrigation and satisfaction rate. Mean follow-up time after tube removal was 21.5 (range 6-26) months. Twenty-six eyes (81.25%) had complete epiphora relief, two eyes (6.25%) had partial relief and four eyes (12.5%) had no improvement after the removal of the tubes. One eye (3.13%) had lower punctum splitting 2 months after the surgery. The overall satisfaction rate was 93.3% in 30 patients. No other complications occurred. Our findings demonstrated that the RC-BCI was an effective procedure for treating canalicular obstruction with few complications.