Monocanalicular intubation in external dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of monocanalicular intubation in external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR).

METHODS: Monocanalicular intubation using the mini-Monoka tube (S1-1500u, FCI Ophthalmics, Marshfield Hills, MA, U.S.A.) was performed in 18 patients undergoing EX-DCR. The tube was placed at the superior canaliculus in 16 cases and at the inferior canaliculus in 2 cases and was removed 3 months postoperatively. All cases were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: The mini-Monoka was well tolerated in all patients. One case of spontaneous tube dislocation and 2 cases of presumed tube migration were recorded on the 15-day interval. Success rates on the 6-month interval were 88.88% (16/18), 94.44% (17/18), and 66.66% (12/18), concerning patency upon irrigation, resolution of mucopurulent epiphora, and resolution of watery epiphora, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Monocanalicular intubation using mini-Monoka in EX-DCR is safe and effective. The technique may have advantages over bicanalicular intubation, such as easier insertion and removal, easier probing and irrigation though the unintubated canaliculus and, more importantly, less risk of punctal or corneal damage.