Ballooning canaliculoplasty after lacrimal trephination in monocanalicular and common canalicular obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of balloon canaliculoplasty with LacriCATH after lacrimal trephination in monocanalicular and common canalicular obstruction.

METHODS: Silicone intubation following ballooning dilation with a 2-mm-diameter catheter after lacrimal trephination was attempted in 66 eyes of 62 patients (10 men, 52 women; mean age, 67.3 years; age range, 34-77 years) with epiphora due to monocanalicular or common canalicular obstruction between January 2003 and February 2005. A total of 56 of the 66 eyes had common canalicular obstruction, and ten had monocanalicular obstruction.

RESULTS: The cause of obstruction in 54 (81.8%) eyes was idiopathic. Overall initial technical improvement was achieved in 64 (97.0%) eyes (common canalicular obstruction, 56/56, 100%; monocanalicular obstruction, 8/10, 80.0%) Immediate clinical improvement was achieved in 54 eyes (81.8%). The cumulative patency rates at the last clinic visit were 53.6% in cases of common canalicular obstruction and 25.0% in cases of monocanalicular obstruction. Causes of failure were combined nasolacrimal duct obstruction, recurrent monocanalicular obstruction, and acute canaliculitis.

CONCLUSIONS: Balloon canaliculoplasty after lacrimal trephination is a simple and safe method that may be a good alternative treatment for common canalicular and distal canalicular obstructions, before resorting to conjunctivodacryorhinostomy with Jones tube insertion.