A novel surgical technique for punctal stenosis: placement of three interrupted sutures after rectangular three-snip punctoplasty

BACKGROUND: We developed a novel surgical technique to treat punctal stenosis involving the placement of three interrupted sutures after rectangular three-snip punctoplasty (TSP). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of forty-eight eyes of 44 patients who underwent rectangular TSP with three interrupted sutures was performed. We investigated whether anatomical recurrences (re-stenosis) occurred during the follow-up period. The subjective symptoms of patients were surveyed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64.1 years, and the mean follow-up time was 17.4 months. The placement of three interrupted sutures after rectangular TSP afforded satisfactory outcomes. Regarding subjective symptoms, 91.7% of the eyes (44/48) were reported as improved. Among 4 eyes determined as symptomatic failure, anatomical recurrence (re-stenosis of the punctum) was observed in only one eye. The other three (6.25%, 3/48 eyes) showed functional nasolacrimal obstruction, namely epiphora with patent tear duct. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of three interrupted sutures after rectangular TSP to treat punctal stenosis showed promising results. Notably anatomical success rate was about 98%. Further comparisons between the novel surgical technique and conventional techniques are required.