Efficay of Minimonoka stents versus bicanalicular annular stents for Treatment of Lacrimal Canalicular Stenosis

Abstract

Purpose: To compare efficacy and safety of Minimonoka stents and bicanalicular annular stents
in the management of epiphora due to lacrimal canalicular stenosis.
Patient and Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of 30 patients who had
undergone lacrimal canalicular intubation for treatment of lacrimal canalicular stenosis were
retrospectively received. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I: included patients
who had undergone monocanalicular intubation, and group II: included patients who had
undergone bicanalicular intubation. Patients were followed regularly on 1st day, one week, and
every month up to six months after the procedure and two months after stent removal. Subjective
improvement of symptoms of epiphora, Fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT), and
lacrimal irrigation were our outcome measures.
Results: Complete anatomic success was achieved in 13 patients (86.7%) in group I and 12
patients (80%) in group II. Partial anatomic success was achieved in one patient (6.7%) in group
I and two patients (13.3%) in group II. Anatomic failure was achieved in one patient (6.7%) in
each group. There was no significant difference between studied groups regarding anatomic
success (P=0.8). Complete functional success was achieved in 12 patients (80%) in group I and
11 patients (73.3%) in group II. Partial functional success was achieved in two patients (13.3%)
in group I and three patients (20%) in group II. Functional failure was achieved in one patient
(6.7%) in each group. There was no significant difference between studied groups regarding
functional success (P=0.89).
Conclusions: Minimonoka stents and bicanalicular annular stents are safe and effective surgical
interventions in patients with lacrimal canalicular stenosis.