Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser:: Long-term results

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser in treatment of epiphora in adults. Methods: A prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy in 25 patients presenting with epiphora due to nasolacrimal obstruction. Patient age ranged from 32 to 72 years. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 12, 24, and 36 months. Patients were evaluated for symptom improvement through a visual analog scale, and patency of osteotomy by lacrimal system irrigation with fluorescein and direct visualization by nasal endoscopy. Success was defined as resolution of epiphora. Results: Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy was able to re-establish patency of the lacrimal system in 88% of cases after 36 months of surgery. No differences were found between patients older than 65 years and younger patients (chi-square, p > 0.05). Early (12 months) and late (36 months) results were similar (chi-square, p > 0.05). Conclusions: In this prospective series, transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy was effective in treatment of epiphora in adults with little morbidity.