ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR) comparing with previous endonasal DCR. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups; One is transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR, the other is endonasal DCR. 35 patients with NLD obstruction underwent transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR. The bony ostium was created using a transmitting Nd: YAG fiberoptics catheter laser through the canaliculus. On the other hand, 45 patients with NLD obstruction underwent endonasal DCR. The authors compared success rate, postoperative complication and operative time between two groups. RESULTS: The success rate of transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR group and endonasal DCR group were 88.6% (31/35) and 88.9% (40/45), respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups in success rate (p>0.99). Postoperative granuloma formation was seen in 29% (transcanalicular group) and 58% (endonasal group), respectively. The operative time for transcanalicular and endonasal DCR was needed for 28.3min, 47.7min, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in less granuloma formation and shorter operative time in transcanalicular group than in endonasal group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When patients with NLD obstruction have a thin bony portion of the lacrimal fossa, transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR with shorter operative time and less postoperative complications may be chosen as the beneficial procedure rather than endonasal DCR.