AIM:To evaluate the clinical effect of two surgical methods based on a new type of lacrimal canalicular anastomosis device.

METHODS:In this research, we observed eighty relative cases(80 eyes)of traumatic lower canalicular laceration and all clinical assessments were performed during and after operation. Two kinds of probes were used for lacrimal canalicular anastomosis. The elastic pigtail probe was used for double lacrimal canalicular intubation(experience group)and the straight probe was used for single lacrimal canalicular intubation(control group).

RESULTS: The average time of intubation was 12.1±3.7min in experience group and 21.2±5.5min in control group(t=8.68, P<0.05), and the average time of total operations was 28.9±5.6min in experience group and 34.4±6.8min in control group(t=3.95, P<0.05). The rates of anatomic and functional success were 88%(35 cases)and 90%(36 cases)in experience group and 82%(33 cases)and 90%(36 cases)in control group at 12mo after operation(P>0.05). There were 4 cases of epiphora and 5 cases of lacrimal stenosis in the experience group, and 4 cases of epiphora, 7 cases of lacrimal stenosis, 5 cases of skin scar, 2 cases of catheter displacement and 1 case of eyelid relaxation in the control group(P>0.05). The intraoperative penetration rate was 100% in both groups, and the false path was not observed in this study.

CONCLUSION: The two methods of lacrimal canalicular anastomosis have different advantages, and they are both effective and feasible therapies in clinic.