J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2005 May;46(5):737-742.

Ballooning Canaliculoplasty and Silicone Tube Intubation after Lacrimal Trephination

• Hong SW
• Choi YK
• Yang SW

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to assess the satety and effectiveness of lacrimal trephination and balloon dilatation in treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculus. METHODS: Lacrimal trephination and subsequent balloon dilation was performed in 7 eyes of 7 consecutive patients with epiphora due to lacrimal canalicular obstruction and common canalicular obstruction. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 50.3 years old and the average follow-up period was 17.7 months. Anatomical success was 7 of 7 eyes (100%) and functional success , resolution of epiphora was 5 of 7 eyes (71%) CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal trephination and subsequent ballooning canaliculoplasty in treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculus seems to be safe and valuable as an primary procedure before Jones tube bypass surgery.

Keyword

Balloon canaliculoplasty; Canalicular obstruction; Common canalicular obstruction; Lacrimal trephine

MeSH Terms

Dilatation
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Intubation*
Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases
Silicones*
Trephining*
Silicones