Long-term outcomes of lacrimal canalicular trephination with viscoelastic-assisted monocanalicular stenting for canalicular obstructions

Purpose: To study the long-term outcomes of lacrimal canalicular trephination (LCT) with viscoelastic-assisted monocanalicular stenting (VAMS) for the treatment of epiphora secondary to lacrimal canalicular obstructions (LCO). Methods: Our study was a retrospective interventional work. All patients diagnosed with LCO, having morbid epiphora (Munk's scale ≥ 2), were included. The LCO was divided as proximal (< 6mm from punctum) and distal (≥ 6mm from punctum). Sisler's lacrimal trephine (21 gauge) was used to recanalize the LCO with monocanalicular stent (0.64mm diameter) insertion, which was kept for a minimum of 6 weeks and a post-stent removal follow-up of 12 months was ensured. Fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal irrigation were used as functional and anatomical tests for evaluation, respectively. Results: We included 73 eyes of 52 patients having a mean age of 44.5 years. Of the total, the proximal LCO was seen in 38 eyes (52.1%) and distal in 35 eyes (47.9%). The preoperative Munk's score of 5 was noted in the majority (n=57 eyes, 78.1%). The majority (n=32 eyes, 43.8%) had chronic blepharitis or meibomian gland disease as etiology. Monocanalicular stent was kept in place for a mean of 13.5 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 14.5 months, complete response was noted in 35.6% cases, while 50.7% had partial and 13.7% had a failure of the procedure. Conclusions: LCT (without DCR) is a minimally invasive, simple, and effective technique for the treatment of LCO in the long term. VAMS is a helpful innovation to facilitate the insertion of the flexible silicone stent.