Microsurgical Treatment of Canalicular Stenosis: Long-Term Follow-Up

Purpose: Studies about the indication and the functional prognosis of microsurgical treatment of canalicular stenosis (CR) are rare. In this study we determined the cause, recurrence and success rates of CR and compared our results with the results in the literature. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 patients who required a microsurgical treatment of canalicular stenosis (CR) from 2009 to 2011. We systematically evaluated the medical data and asked the patients about the recent symptoms via telephone questionnaire. Results: 22 patients were included (73% women; 27% men; age: 52.8 +/- 19.9 years), 12 (55%) patients had already had operations. The mean postoperative follow-up was 45 +/- 9.2 months. The patients were followed for a minimum of 30 months. The success rate was 58%. Conclusion: In some cases like long localised canalicular stenosis and especially after traumatic lacerations of the lacrimal canaliculi, a microsurgical treatment of canalicular stenosis is required. The aim of this procedure is to restore the lacrimal mucosa continuity so that a spontaneous lacrimal drainage is possible. The success rate of CR in our study was 58%.