A new method for identifying the cut ends in canalicular laceration

Abstract

To locate the proximal and distal cut ends of the canaliculus following trauma is the most difficult part of canalicular repair, especially in patients with complex acute canalicular lacerations and late presenting canalicular lacerations. Previously, irrigation and air-injection technique are reported and widely used to locate the cut ends of lacerated canaliculus. However, we have developed a novel technique in which with a 23 Ga fiber optic light pipe is used to identify the cut ends of the canaliculus allowing silicone tube intubation of the lacrimal system. The mean time from initiation of the identification of the cut ends of the canaliculus to insertion of the silicone tube was 5 minutes. In this study, the cut ends were successfully identified by using this novel method in 33 cases of acute and late presenting canalicular laceration for canalicular reconstruction without any complications. This light-guided technique may represent an improvement in the surgical repair of canalicular lacerations.