ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the outcomes of transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) with endonasal augmentation in acute versus post-acute dacryocystitis and compare it with external DCR in post-acute settings. METHODS: A prospective, randomised study was conducted in 90 adult cases of Acute dacryocystitis. All the patients were started on systemic antibiotics and a 4 mm × 4 mm osteotomy was created using TCL-DCR. The osteotomy was enlarged to 8 mm × 8 mm by endonasal augmentation at the same sitting in group 1, after 10 days in group 2 and after 10 days with external DCR in group 3. The cases were assessed for symptomatic relief and complications. Success was defined as functional and anatomical patency at 36 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.33 ± 15.06 years and the male: female ratio was 1:2. The presenting complaints were painful swelling (100%), epiphora or discharge (88.8%), fistula (33%) and fever (6%). The average number of acute episodes was 2.96. The intra-group pain reduction from day 1 to day 4, was significant in all three groups (p = 0.000). Intra-operative (p = 0.015, χ2 = 8.37) and post-operative complications (p = 0.002, χ2 = 0.002) were higher in group. Anatomical success was achieved in all the three groups, however, the functional success in Group 3, Group 2 and Group 1 was 100%, 86.7% and 66.7% respectively (p = 0.002, χ2 = 12.86). CONCLUSIONS: The creation of osteotomy using TCL-DCR provides early relief in symptoms. Single-stage surgery in inflamed tissues is associated with higher complication rates. External DCR in post-acute settings gives the best outcomes with minimal complications, endoscopic augmentation requires a close follow-up.