Treatment of Punctal Occlusion Using Pigtail Probe

Abstract

Purpose: 

To report the effectiveness and outcomes of a new technique using the pigtail probe in the treatment of congenital or acquired punctal occlusion.

Methods: 

In a retrospective study, 5 patients with punctal occlusion who had undergone punctoplasty and silicone tube intubation using a pigtail probe were reviewed. The authors probed the normal punctum with a pigtail probe and progressed until the pigtail probe had tented into the occluded punctal area. The tented area was then incised with a no. 11 blade tip or penetrated by pushing the pigtail probe itself. The authors then inserted a silicone tube to prevent recurrence of punctal occlusion.

Results: 

In all 5 patients, the occluded punctum was successfully reopened with this method. Four months after the operation, the silicone tube was removed and the punctum remained patent thereafter. Additionally, lacrimal drainage through the punctum remained intact and symptomatic tearing improved in all 5 patients.

Conclusions: 

Punctoplasty using the pigtail probe seems to be a safe and effective method for identifying and repairing occluded puncta.

In Brief

Pigtail probe is an effective and safe tool for the treatment of punctal occlusion.