Stent-Assisted Surgical Creation of a Ductal Drainage Tract in the Third Eyelid Gland for Treatment of Postoperative Lacrimal Cyst of the Nictitating Membrane in a Dog.

Stent-assisted ductal tract creation successfully resolved recurrent lacrimal cysts with sustained patency.

This case report describes a novel surgical technique for managing recurrent lacrimal cysts of the nictitating membrane (LCNM) in a dog. An 8-month-old Maltese presented with recurrent LCNM following two failed surgical drainage procedures. The authors employed stent-assisted ductal tract creation combined with mitomycin-C application to prevent recurrence. A 3-French cat catheter served as a temporary ductal stent to maintain patency of the newly created drainage tract. The stent was removed one week post-operatively due to a mechanical corneal ulcer, necessitating early removal despite being planned for two weeks. Although initial follow-up revealed mild nictitating membrane elevation and incomplete ductal patency, by six weeks post-operatively the clinical signs resolved and corticosteroid therapy was discontinued. Importantly, no cyst recurrence occurred over the four-month follow-up period, and the created ductal tract remained patent. This suture-free technique offers advantages including simplified surgical approach and potential applicability in general practice settings without requiring dedicated surgical microscopy.

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