Success rate of placement of a bicanalicular stent for partial nasolacrimal obstruction in adults under local, monitored anesthesia care and general anesthesia

PURPOSE: To study The Kaneka Lacriflow Stent, a self-retaining bicanalicular intubation set that can be placed under local anesthetic, providing a new option to treat epiphora and partial NLDO. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SUBJECTS: 93 adult patients requiring treatment for a partial NLDO were evaluated. Stents were placed in office setting under local/topical anesthetic or in OR (MAC or GEN). The stent is placed with a stylet, and self-retains due to a widened portion sitting distal to the common canaliculis. It does not require recovery from the nose. METHODS: Outcomes analyzed to evaluate success of stent placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Success rate of placement of the stent in adults. RESULTS: Stents left in place for 3 months. Results recorded 1 month after removal. Stents successfully placed in 124 of 136 (91%) eyes. Under local anesthesia in the office setting, 83 of 92 (90%) were placed successfully. Records were complete in 59 patients (78 eyes) and were analyzed further. 33 patients (52 eyes) had stents retained for the full 90 days and had follow-up recorded one-month post removal. Of the patients who retained the stents for 90 days and had full follow-up, 32 patients (51 eyes, 98%) reported improvement in their symptoms, while 1 patient reported no improvement. CONCLUSION: Silicone intubation of the NLD in adults is rarely done due to need for general anesthesia. The Lacriflow stent can be successfully placed in the office under local anesthesia offering a new approach for tearing in adults.