One-snip punctoplasty and canalicular curettage through the punctum: a minimally invasive surgical procedure for primary canaliculitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment results of canalicular curettage through the punctum after 1-snip punctoplasty for primary canaliculitis.

DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients with primary canaliculitis who were treated at Seoul National University Hospital between February 2005 and January 2008.

METHODS: All patients underwent 1-snip punctoplasty and canalicular curettage through the punctum, and granules or concretions were removed. After the procedure, oral and topical antibiotics were used for 3 weeks. Demographic data and clinical presentations of the patients were analyzed. The resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs and complications were evaluated 3 weeks after the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution rate of the canaliculitis and complications after the procedure.

RESULTS: There was a female predominance in the study group (23:7). Common symptoms of canaliculitis included discharge, tearing, and pus or concretions from the punctum. During the procedure, concretions, granules, or discharges were drained in all patients. In 25 (83.3%) of 30 patients, the symptoms and signs of canaliculitis completely resolved 3 weeks after 1 treatment. Two patients (6.7%) required additional curettage. Symptomatic canalicular strictures developed in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Materials were removed easily from the canaliculus using a 1-snip punctoplasty and curettage through the punctum. This procedure, combined with systemic and topical antibiotic therapy, can be a highly effective treatment for primary canaliculitis.