Korean J Ophthalmol.  2008 Jun;22(2):73-76. 10.3341/kjo.2008.22.2.73.

A Simple New Method for Identifying the Proximal Cut End in Lower Canalicular Laceration

• Cho SH
• Hyun DW
• Kang HJ
• Ha MS

• KMID: 1098998
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2008.22.2.73

Abstract

PURPOSE: We report a simple and effective method of identifying the medial cut end of lower canalicular laceration cases. METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes with lower canalicular lacerations as a result of trauma were involved in the study. Surgery was performed within 48 hours after injury for canalicular reconstruction. Upper canalicular probing was utilized to identify the medial cut end of deep canalicular lacerations when difficulties were encountered. Total time from the initiation of the probing procedure to the identification of the medial cut end of the lower canaliculus was measured. RESULTS: A total of 27 eyes with lower canalicular lacerations were reconstructed. In 20 eyes, the medial lacerated end was located by upper canalicular probing. The mean time from initiation of the probing procedure to identification of the medial cut end of the lacerated canaliculus was 2 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that upper canalicular probing in patients with lower canalicular lacerations significantly reduces the time from the initiation of the operation to the identification of the medial cut end of the lower canaliculus.

Keyword

Canalicular lacerations; Canalicular probing; Canalicular reconstruction

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Child
Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological
Eye Injuries/*radiography/surgery
Eyelids/*injuries
Female
Humans
Intubation/methods
Lacerations/*radiography/surgery
Lacrimal Apparatus/*injuries/radiography/surgery
Male
Middle Aged
Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
Time Factors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) The lacrimal probe is exposed through the medial cut end of the lacerated canaliculi. (B) The common canaliculus is pushed towards the operative field by the lacrimal probe. (C) Postoperative state 1 month after operation. The silicone tube is visible between the upper and lower canaliculi.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) The medial cut end of the lacerated lower canaliculus is retracted towards the lacrimal sac (yellow arrow) after injury. (B) By upper punctal probing (yellow arrow), the medial cut end is pushed towards the lacerated skin margin (red arrow).

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  Fig. 3 DCG demonstrates that the lacrimal sac and canaliculus are lateralized after probing. The lateral border of the lacrimal sac (yellow arrow head) before lacrimal probing (A) is moved laterally (red arrow) after lacrimal probing (B).

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