Türk Oftalmoloji Dergisi (Dec 2011)
The Results of Annular Silicone Tube Intubation in Canalicular Injury after Blunt or Penetrating Trauma
Abstract
Pur po se: The aim of this study was to analyze functional and anatomical success of annular silicone tube intubation in canalicular injury caused by blunt or penetrating trauma. Materials and Methods: The records of 62 patients with canalicular injury, who applied to our clinic, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of injury (group 1: 30 patients with blunt injury, group 2: 32 patients with penetrating injury). In all cases, annular silicone tube (Silicone tube FCI Ophthalmics Marshfield Hills, U.S) intubation was performed with a pigtail probe. The age, gender, cause of injury, affected eye, affected canalicula, time period between injury and operation, removal time of the silicone tube, and follow-up periods of the patients were recorded. An open passage withlacrimal irrigation was evaluated as anatomical success and absence of tear collection at fluorescein dye disappearance test and tearing complaint by the patients were accepted as both anatomical and functional success. Results: There were not significant differences between the groups by means of gender, affected canalicula, time period between injury and operation, removal time of the silicone tube, and follow-up periods (p>0.05). However, the mean age of the patients was significantly higher in group 1 (15.4±2.8 years) compared with group 2 (8.9±1.6 years) (p=0.01). At the last visit, there was obstruction in the canalicular system with lacrimal irrigation in one patient in group 1 and two patients in group 2. Also two patients in group 1 and four patients in group 2 had tear collection at fluorescein dye disappearance test and tearing complaint. In the first group, anatomic success was 97% and both anatomical and functional success was achieved in 93% of patients. In the second group, these rates were 94% and 88%, respectively. Success rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Annular silicone tube intubation may be used as a successful technique in maintaining anatomical and functional integrity of the canalicula after blunt or penetrating canalicular injury. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 380-4)
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