Vol. 43 No 1 Original Article PDF

Long-Term Results of Mini-Monoka Monocanalicular Intubation in the Repair of Canalicular Lacerations

Armida L. Suller, MD and Alexander D. Tan, MD

Objective:

To report the epidemiology of canalicular lacerations and surgical outcomes of canalicular laceration repair with Mini-Monoka® (FCI Ophthalmics, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Cedex, France) intubation.

Methods:

This is a retrospective interventional case series of patients who underwent Mini-Monoka® intubation in the repair of canalicular laceration from 2010 to 2015 at a tertiary state-owned hospital in Manila, Philippines. Patient demographics, surgical outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

Results:

Fourteen patients (12 males and 2 females) underwent Mini-Monoka® intubation for monocanalicular laceration. The mean age at presentation was 27 years (range, 16-47 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.92 years (range, 1.28-6.15 years). Canalicular patency was achieved in 12 out of the 14 patients (86%). None of the 12 patients experienced epiphora following stent removal resulting in a functional success rate of 100%. Two patients had punctal slitting (14%). Premature stent loss occurred in 2 out of the 14 patients (14%).

Conclusion:

Mini-Monoka intubation is effective in maintaining the long-term anatomical patency of the lacerated canaliculus. It is a simple and minimally invasive procedure making it a safe and reasonable alternative to the traditional methods of canalicular repair.

Keywords: canalicular injury, canalicular laceration, canalicular trauma, Mini-Monoka, monocanalicular intubation