A comparative study of transcanalicular diode laser supported endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and non-laser endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Objective: The primary surgical procedure for nasolacrimal duct obstruction is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The purpose of this study was to compare non-laser endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (NL-EnDCR) and transcanalicular diode laser-supported endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (TDLS-EnDCR). Materials and method: The data of patients who underwent DCR with the diagnosis of epiphora and chronic dacryocystitis between the years 2010 and 2016 were examined retrospectively. The patients who underwent NL-EnDCR and TDLS-EnDCR were included in the study. Success of the procedure was defined as the complete disappearance of epiphora, and lack of anatomical occlusions with lacrimal serum irrigation. Results: 74 patients who met the study criteria were included in the study. 39 patients (21 males and 18 females) who underwent TDLS-EnDCR were assigned as Group 1, and their mean age was 46 (33-64). 35 patients (18 males and 17 females) who underwent NL-EnDCR were assigned as Group 2, and their mean age was 48 (24-81). In the postoperative follow-ups, no watering of the eyes was demonstrated in 34 (87.2%) out of 39 patients in Group 1 (TDLS-EnDCR), and 22 (62.9%) out of 35 patients in Group 2 (NL-EnDCR), and that the newly formed ostium was clear with serum irrigations. A statistically significant difference in success rate was observed between the two groups (p = 0.028). Conclusions: The TDLS-EnDCR procedure was more successful than NL-EnDCR with respect to the outcomes assigned. Use of transcanalicular diode laser in endoscopic DCR may increase the success of endoscopic DCR. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.