View 2019 Abstracts

Punctal and canalicular obstruction and stenosis are common causes of epiphora. Punctal dilation, and canalicular trephination with stenting can improve the patency and symptoms. We report the outcomes of Autostable Bicanalicular Silicone Stents (FCI) for punctal and canalicular disease.

This is a multicentre, retrospective review of patients who had insertion of autostable stents as primary treatment for epiphora secondary to punctal or canalicular pathology. Data collected include the clinical indication for usage, rate of improvement or resolution of epiphora, postoperative complications, and requirement for further treatment in persistent epiphora following stent insertion.

51 cases (42 patients, 9 bilateral cases) were collected across 6 centres. The most common indication was common canalicular stenosis (34/51, 68%). Average follow up was 221 days (range 3 to 1884 days). Where recorded, 6/48 (13%) reported resolution of symptoms, 22/48 (46%) some improvement and 20/48 (42%) no improvement. 34/51 (67%) stents extruded prior to planned removal on average 17 days after insertion (range 1-73). In the planned stent removal group (mean 70 (range 14-180) days after insertion), 3/14 (21%) had resolution of symptoms, 6/14 (43%) had some improvement and 5/14 (36%) had no improvement. In the extruded group, where recorded, 3/32 (9%) had resolution of symptoms, 16/32 (50%) had some improvement and 13/32 (41%) had no improvement. 15 patients required further treatment.

Canalicular Autostable Stents have modest success rates and a tendency to spontaneous extrusion. Alternative treatments and stent designs are required for canalicular stenosis and obstruction.