Abstract
Background Monocanalicular intubation systems such as Mini-Monoka and Monoka are well established
in the treatment of adult patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). This
retrospective study aimed to analyse the occurrence and subjective burden of postoperative
foreign body sensation (FBS) following DCR using either intubation method.
Methods A total of 130 adult patients who underwent DCR with monocanalicular nasolacrimal
duct intubation for 3 months via the upper punctum were included. Group 1 (n = 68)
received Mini-Monoka, while Group 2 (n = 62) received Monoka (4 mm) intubation. FBS
was assessed via a standardised patient questionnaire.
Results Mean age was 63.7 years (range 22 – 91) in group 1 and 61.2 years (range 25 – 79)
in group 2. The male-to-female ratio was 3.25 : 1 and 4.64 : 1, respectively. Postoperative
FBS was reported by 22.1% in group 1 and 40.3% in group 2. Moderate to severe discomfort
was reported by 40% and 56% of affected patients, respectively. Logistic regression
revealed a significant influence of the stent system (p = 0.024), but not gender (p = 0.617).
Conclusion Both stenting systems are associated with postoperative FBS in a considerable proportion
of patients. Due to the higher rate of perceived discomfort under Monoka, Mini-Monoka
should be preferred whenever anatomically feasible.
Keywords
lacrimal surgery - dacryocystorhinostomy - monocanalicular intubation - Monoka - Mini-Monoka
- lacrimal intubation
