The Effectiveness of Lacrimal Trephination for the Treatment of Canalicular Obstruction.
10.3341/jkos.2011.52.7.783
- Author:
Jeihoon LEE
1
;
Jung Bum CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Canalicular obstruction;
Lacrimal trephine;
Munk's scale;
Silicone tube intubation
- MeSH:
Eye;
Humans;
Interviews as Topic;
Intubation;
Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases;
Medical Records;
Retrospective Studies;
Silicones
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2011;52(7):783-787
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of lacrimal trephination to treat canalicular obstruction. METHODS: Silicone intubation following lacrimal trephination was performed in 38 eyes of 29 patients with epiphora due to canalicular obstruction between December 2005 and October 2009. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and telephone interviews were performed. The severity of epiphora was graded by Munk's scale, and anatomical improvement was evaluated by postoperative probing and syringing. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 73.7% of the cases (grade 0 or 1), and 68.4% of the eyes had complete resolution of epiphora (grade 0). The anatomical success rate was 81.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal trephination is a simple and effective treatment for canalicular obstructions. Therefore, lacrimal trephination could be performed prior to attempting an invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.
