Surgical treatment of punctal-canalicular fibrosis from 5-fluorouracil therapy

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been reported to cause punctal-canalicular fibrosis with resultant severe epiphora. It is reported that the epiphora will often resolve when treatment ceases or is decreased. However, this report describes a case of punctal-canalicular fibrosis so severe that bilateral conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomies were necessary. This has not been previously reported to the best of the authors' knowledge. It is recommended that ophthalmic consultation be obtained for patients in whom long-term 5-FU therapy is anticipated or who develop tearing while on therapy.