The observation of efficacy of linear silicone tube intubation for the treatment of traumatic canalicular laceration

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of linear silicone tube intubation for the treatment of traumatic canalicular laceration. Methods The data of 95 eyes of 95 cases with traumatic canalicular laceration in our hospital from August 2009 to October 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-six eyes of the first 46 cases receiving epidural anesthesia tube intubation were included in group A, and the next 49 eyes of 49 cases receiving linear silicone tube intubation were included in group B. Epidural anesthesia tube was pulled out after 2-3 months. Linear silicone tube was pulled out after 3-4 months. Dates of the lacrimal duct patency, epiphora, eyelid shape, and morphology of lacrimal points were recorded during followed-up of 6 months after pulling out the tubes. Results In group A tube shedding occurred in 6 cases, lacrimal point tear occurred in 7 cases and traction punctal eversion occurred in 4 cases after surgery. The cure rate and total efficiency rate of group A were 63.04% and 82.61%. In group B tube shedding occurred in 2 cases, and no lacrimal point tear and traction punctal eversion occurred after surgery. The cure rate and total efficiency rate of group B were 87.76% and 93.88%. The difference in the cure rate between two groups was statistically significant (χ2=7.896, P=0.005). The difference in the total effective rate between two groups was not statistically significant (χ2=2.943, P=0.086). Conclusion Linear silicone tube intubation for the treatment of traumatic canalicular laceration is easy and effective with fewer complications and little impact on facial appearance. Key words: Disease, lacrimal apparatus; Laceration, canalicular; Tube, silicone, linear; Tube, anesthesia, epidural