Evaluation of planned bicanalicular nasolacrimal tube retention in treating punctal stenosis or occlusion secondary to trachoma

Abstract

This article evaluates retaining bicanalicular silicone nasolacrimal tube in patients susceptible to restenosis after punctoplasty. Sixty-nine eyes (38 patients) suffering from epiphora due to stenosis or occlusion of both punctae were included in this prospective study. All had 3 snip punctoplasty and bicanalicular silicone nasolacrimal duct insertion. Cases associated with proximal canalicular stenosis or obstructions were excluded. Tolerance to tube presence until the time of loss or removal was evaluated using a score (0 to 2). Average age was 49.71 ± 11.09 years. Tachomatous lesions were detected in all cases of punctal stenosis (48 eyes/69.57%) and membranous occlusion (21 eyes/30.43%). Common canalicular obstruction was additionally found in 12 eyes (17.39%). Absolute improvement was detected in 85% of cases and mean time for tube retention was (29.6 ± 10.2 months) with no difference in presence of common canalicular obstruction (P value: 0.138). Isolated punctal affection favoured tube retention that was well tolerated throughout the follow-up period (P value <0.001). Silicone bicanalicular nasolacrimal tube is an available option for treating acquired punctal stenosis. It is tolerated especially in cases suffering from isolated punctal stenosis. Tube retention could be of value in patients who are at risk of re-occlusion following tube removal.

Keywords: Bicanalicular; punctum; retaining; stenosis; trachoma.