Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser: complications

Purpose: To evaluate the complications of the use of diode laser in the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal obstruction. Methods: Forty four procedures (transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation and local anesthesia) where performed from February 2002 to November 2007 in 41 patients (3 bilaterally), 32 women and 9 men. Results: The most common intraoperative complications were disability to pass the Crawford probe (13.6%) and the laser probe (11.3%). Regarding postoperative complications, epiphora was the event of higher frequency (15.9%) followed by the non-intentional silastic extrusion by the patient (11.3%). Conclusion: Intraoperative and postoperative complications rate were similar of others articles that demonstrated the same surgical technique (with same laser).