Use of the diode laser with intraoperative mitomycin C in endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of the diode laser with intraoperative mitomycin C in endocanalicular laser clacryocystorhinostomy (ECL-DCR). Methods: In a prospective case series of 40 ECL-DCRs using the diode laser, mitomycin C was placed intraoperatively in all cases. The main outcome measure was resolution or improvement of epiphora and no major laser damage intranasally. Patients were followed for at least 18 months. Results: Forty consecutive ECL-DCRs on 30 patients (23 females, 7 males, mean age 62 years) were performed from April 2000 to December 2001. The success rate at 12 months postoperatively was 87.5%. All failures were due to a constricted nasal osteotomy. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions: Diode laser ECL-DCR with mitomycin C appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.