Canalicular Injury: Comparison of Minimonoka Stent and Silicone Sling for Monocanalicular Intubation

Purpose: Canalicular lacerations are a common adnexal injury, frequently associated with road traffic accidents, assaults, and falls. Primary repair with intubation is the standard of care to maintain lacrimal drainage patency. Several materials, including commercial stents and improvised substitutes, are available, but their comparative outcomes remain under evaluation. The present study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of monocanalicular intubation using Minimonoka stents versus silicone sling remnants in patients with traumatic canalicular lacerations. Methodology: This prospective, non-randomized, hospital-based interventional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Nagpur. Twenty-four patients presenting with monocanalicular lacerations were included between July 2024 to July 2025. Twelve underwent repair with Minimonoka stents and twelve with silicone sling remnants. Detailed preoperative ocular and adnexal evaluation was performed, associated injuries were noted, and NCCT orbit was performed when orbital trauma was suspected. Surgeries were performed under local or general anesthesia depending on patient age and injury profile. Postoperatively, sutures were removed on day 10, stents after 4 weeks, and patients were followed for one month to evaluate anatomical and functional success. Results: The study included 24 patients (18 males, 6 females) with a mean age of 29.6 years (range: 2?63 years). Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury. Four cases required isolated canalicular repair, while two were combined with orbital fracture repair. Postoperatively, both groups experienced transient foreign body sensation, irritation, and watering during the first week, which subsided subsequently. No stent extrusion or long-term complications were observed in either group. Anatomical and functional success was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Monocanalicular intubation using silicone rod remnants is a cost-effective and effective alternative to Minimonoka stents in traumatic canalicular lacerations.