Purpose

To describe an alternative temporary stenting technique for lower canalicular reconstruction in the absence of dedicated lacrimal intubation systems during emergency eyelid trauma repair.

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Methods

High-energy eyelid trauma associated with lacrimal duct injury represents a challenging oculoplastic emergency with significant functional consequences if inadequately managed. A 56-year-old patient presented with a medial lower eyelid laceration involving the inferior canaliculus following high-energy metallic trauma. Immediate surgical repair of the eyelid defect and restoration of the lacrimal drainage pathway were performed in an emergency setting. Due to the unavailability of standard monocanalicular or bicanalicular intubation systems, temporary canalicular stenting was achieved using polypropylene material positioned across the injured canaliculus in order to maintain luminal patency during healing. Anatomical alignment of the canalicular ends and reconstruction of the lacrimal drainage pathway were achieved intraoperatively.

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Results

The described technique allowed successful identification and immediate reconstruction of the injured lower canaliculus under limited-resource conditions. Early postoperative examination demonstrated preservation of anatomical continuity of the lacrimal drainage pathway, although partial cicatricial narrowing developed during follow-up. The polypropylene stenting technique provided an accessible and immediately available temporary solution for canalicular reconstruction in the emergency setting.

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Conclusion

Temporary polypropylene-assisted canalicular intubation may represent a feasible emergency option when dedicated lacrimal stenting systems are unavailable. This approach highlights the importance of surgical adaptability in complex oculoplastic trauma while emphasizing the need for further evaluation of long-term anatomical and functional outcomes.

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Additional Authors

First name	Last name	Base Hospital / Institution
Camelia Margareta	Bogdanici	¹ Emergency Clinical County Hospital “Sfantul Spiridon”, Iasi, Romania ² “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
Calina Anda	Sandu Boz	¹ Emergency Clinical County Hospital “Sfantul Spiridon”, Iasi, Romania ² “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
Alice	Foia-Colescu	Emergency Clinical County Hospital “Sfantul Spiridon”, Iasi, Romania
Alexandra	Plahotniuc	Emergency Clinical County Hospital “Sfantul Spiridon”, Iasi, Romania

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