Pigtail-Assisted Distal Canalicular Repair in a Child: An Innovative Technique for Bicanalicular Intubation With Single Monocanalicular Stent.

Abstract

Objective: Repair of medial canthus injury involving canaliculus is an emergency indication for canalicular intubation to restore lacrimal drainage. Herein, the author has described an innovative but simple technique for this reconstruction.

Method and result: A small, blunt pigtail probe was gently passed through the opposite canaliculus in a rotational manner. A silicon stent was threaded inside canaliculi by reverse rotation of the pigtail in an atraumatic way. The technique was used on 4 pediatric cases without any postoperative complication or epiphora.

Conclusions: This technique of intubation is simple, cheap, and useful in canalicular emergencies, including "distal" canaliculus lacerations.