Functional Results of the Surgical Repair of a Lacerated Canaliculus in Children

Abstract

This study examined the functional success of surgical repair of lacerated canaliculi in a pediatric population. A retrospective chart review was performed on 46 patients who had surgical repair of a lacerated canaliculus. Functional success was defined as no tearing or discharge present at the end of treatment. Forty-four of the 46 patients had repair with a Crawford tube. Of these, 39 presented for postoperative follow-up. Two patients had some tearing present at the time of tube removal. Eight patients whose tube fell out or was pulled out by the patient had no symptoms at their last visit. Fourteen patients were able to be contacted by phone for follow-up more than a year after treatment and 13 were symptom free. The child with reported discharge was more than 2 years post treatment and had not scheduled any return appointments to seek treatment. Surgical repair of a lacerated canaliculus using a Crawford silicone tube in the pediatric population has an excellent chance of having a good functional outcome with no tearing or discharge present.