Long-term results of endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term Success rate of endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in our unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study including all the consecutive cases of endonasal laser DCR (ELDCR) between November 1996 and December 1999. Patients who underwent revision DCR were excluded. The absence or improvement of symptoms as reported by the patients was defined as successful outcome. Conversely, recurrence of epiphora was considered as failure. The results were reviewed at I year in the clinic and at further 3 years and 5 years by telephone consultation. RESULTS: There were 65 patients (73 procedures) in the study cohort, with a mean follow-up period of 74 months (range. 60-97). Early failure was noted in 13 patients at I year. Only 28 patients (of the possible 50) were free from epiphora after 5 years postsurgery. CONCLUSION: We found that the Success rate of ELDCR has gradually declined over the years to 56% (confidence interval. 38-69) in patients who had at least 5 years of postoperative data. We do not advocate the use of laser in endonasal DCR for patients with epiphora.