Comparing Efficacy of Punctum-incised Surgery versus Punctum- Sparing Surgery in Primary Canaliculitis Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to describe the characteristics of canaliculitis patients and compare the operative outcomes between punctum-sparing canaliculotomy and traditional punctum-incised canaliculotomy.Methods: The medical records of 58 patients who were diagnosed with canaliculitis were reviewed from March 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, time to disease onset, location of involvement, operation information, and prognosis were recorded and analyzed.Results: Canaliculitis showed a female (67%) predominance. Epiphora with discharge was the most common symptom which happened in 56 (97%) patients. The recurrence rates of the punctum-incised group and the punctum-sparing group were 5% and 9% respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. (p=0.514)Conclusion: The recurrence rate of the punctum-sparing group showed no significant difference with punctum-incised group. Patients with recurrence finally recovered after multiple treatments. Squeezing by tweezers was a good way to locate the infected lacrimal duct. Punctum-incised surgery can be the first-line therapy for canaliculitis.