The Long-Term Results of Transcanalicular Dacryocystorhinostomy with a Diode Laser

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) using a diode laser in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: A total of 71 patients (76 eyes) who underwent TCL-DCR between May 2004 and April 2010 were analyzed. The functional and anatomic success rates were evaluated and the causes of failure were analyzed. RESULTS: The anatomic and functional success rates in primary TCL-DCR were 73.9% (51 of 69 eyes) and 62.3% (43 of 69), respectively. The causes of failure were membranous obstruction in 50.0% of the cases, granuloma formation in 38.9%, synechia formation in 5.6%, and canalicular stenosis in 5.6%. The anatomic and functional success rates were both 42.9% (3 of 7eyes) after TCL-DCR revision. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of TCL-DCR is relatively comparable to that of conventional surgery. Additionally, the advantages of the procedure are its minimal invasiveness and convenience in an outpatient setting, suggesting that TCL-DCR may be an effective procedure for primary and secondary NLDO.