Author/Editor		Drnovšek-Olup, Brigita; Beltram, Matej
Title		Long-term success rate of transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy
Translated title		Dolgoročna uspešnost transkanalikularne laserske dakriocistorinostomije
Type		članek
Source		Zdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 79, št. Suppl
Publication year		2010
Volume		str. I-62-7
Language		eng
Abstract		Background: We present a prospective, noncomparative, non-randomized case series study of 179 consecutive transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) procedures in 176 patients. We analyzed the success rate, complications and causes of failure of this procedure. Patients and methods: 176 patients with functional nasolacrimal duct stenosis or complete obstruction were included in the study. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia, and the nasal mucosa was anaemised. The site of osteotomy was determined by transillumination of the lateral nasal wall from the lacrimal sac. We achieved osteotomy by applying laser light via an optic fibre. We used a 980 nm diode laser with power of 20 W. We inserted a silicone stent as the last step. Procedure success was determined by the absence of epiphora (subjective), or by patency of the lacrimal drainage system on irrigation (objective). Results: Since December 2005, we performed 179 successive EL-DCR with silicone stent intubation in 176 patients . The average procedure time was 12 minutes, and 245 J of laser energy on average was needed. The silicone stents were removed 3-6 months after surgery. We observed absence of epiphora and a patent nasolacrimal duct on irrigation in 146 out of 179 treated eyes. This yields a success rate of 82 % at an average follow-up time of 16 months. Conclusions: The 980 nm EL-DCR with silicone stent intubation is a new contribution to the developments in the field of lacrimal surgery. It is a minimally invasive, and quick procedure, yielding results comparable to classic DCR, and is better than other endoscopic DCR procedures.
Descriptors		LACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION NASOLACRIMAL DUCT LASER SURGERY TREATMENT OUTCOME