Comparing pericanalicular sutures with direct canalicular wall sutures for canalicular laceration

PURPOSE: To determine whether a statistically significant difference exists between direct canalicular wall sutures (DCs) and pericanalicular sutures (PCs) in the repair of traumatic canalicular lacerations. METHODS: The medical records of 63 patients who underwent primary repairs for traumatic canalicular lacerations were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the suturing techniques used: the DC group (n = 41) and the PC group (n = 22). Anatomic results were compared between these 2 groups. A successful result was determined by attempted irrigation and probing of the injured canaliculus at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: There were 6 failed procedures among the patients who underwent pericanalicular repair and 1 failed procedure among the patients who underwent direct canalicular wall repair (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the higher success rates in patients treated with direct canalicular repair compared with pericanalicular repair.