Primary canaliculitis: The incidence, clinical features, outcome and long-term epiphora after snip–punctoplasty and curettage

Abstract

Incidence of canaliculitis was 1.4%. Most common isolate was streptococcus species. Snip-punctoplasty and curettage is a safe and efficacious modality of treatment of canaliculitis. Post-operative epiphora occurred in 8.7% patients.

Long-term Follow-up of Canaliculotomies after Canaliculitis

“…In our study, the gender distribution was equal (50 %), comparable to Kim et al (50 %) [2] and Kaliki et al (46 %) [4]. Other studies postulated a female predominance due to mascara use and hormonally related issues [1,4,10].…”

“…Lee et al performed 1-snip punctoplasties and canalicular curettage with a success rate of 83.3 % [6]. Kim et al described a 22 % persistence of symptoms [2] and Pavilack et al a 45 and 55 % persistence and recurrence rate [7]. Canaliculotomies have been described as efficient and safe with resolution rates as high as 80-100 % [1,8,13].…”

“…However, curettage can potentially damage the canalicular lining and end up in a scarred lacrimal duct system. Lee et al found strictures after curettage and Kim et al outline epiphora symptoms in 8.7 % after snip punctoplasty and curettage [2,6].…”

“…Despite well-described and typical clinical findings, canaliculitis is a rare disease and often misdiagnosed [1]. Kim et al found a 1.4 % incidence of canaliculitis and stated that 2-4 % of patients with lacrimal diseases account for this issue [2].…”

“…Canaliculotomy and snip punctoplasty with thorough curettage are preferred surgical procedures [6], but the concern of lacrimal pump dysfunction and canalicular scarring with postsurgical epiphora remains [7]. Studies have shown that snip punctoplasties [2] and canaliculotomies [8] are safe and effective with no major risk of postsurgical epiphora. To the best of our knowledge, no clinical follow-up reports on the actual healing of canaliculotomies are published in the literature.…”