Clinical Usefulness of Laser Cystectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of laser cystectomy for the treatment of patients with dacryocystitis and sump syndrome. METHODS: Thirteen patients (13 eyes) diagnosed with acute or chronic dacryocystitis, and nine patients (9 eyes) who developed sump syndrome after dacryocystorhinostomy from 2005 to 2006 underwent laser cystectomy and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. RESULTS: Pain and swelling around the orbit improved immediately after the operation in patients with acute dacryocystitis, and all symptoms of sump syndrome disappeared by 1 month postoperatively. Epiphora reduced in all patients. During the follow-up period, functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction occurred in one eye and membranous obstruction developed in two eyes. In these two eyes with membranous obstruction, revisional surgery was performed successfully. No recurrence of dacryocystitis was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: Laser cystectomy with endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy is a simple and effective treatment modality for patients with dacryocystitis and sump syndrome that minimizes the risk of recurrence.