The repair of canalicular lacerations with an annular silicone tube and round-tipped pigtail probe

Purpose: To analyze the outcomes of surgical repair of canalicular lacerations with a round-tipped pigtail probe and silicone tube implantation. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the case records of 64 patients who presented to the Ophthalmology Department of Harran University between 2010 and 2015 and underwent surgical repair of canalicular lacerations. Each patient’s age, gender, nationality, mechanism of injury, injured canaliculi, and follow-up time were evaluated. In addition to the anatomical and functional results, complications were also analyzed. Results: A total of 64 patients, 51 (79.7%) males and 13 (20.3%) females, with a mean age at presentation of 14.6 years (range: 1-69 years) were enrolled. Forty-six patients were aged <15 years (71.9%). Forty-two patients (65.6%) had lower canalicular lacerations, and 19 patients had isolated upper canalicular lacerations (29.7%). At the final follow-up (mean: 33.7 months), anatomical success was observed in all patients. Conclusion: Silicone tube implantation using a round-tipped pigtail probe is an effective method that facilitates anatomical and functional success in cases of canalicular laceration.