Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser: long-term results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Epiphora, or excessive tearing, significantly impacts quality of life.
• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common cause of epiphora in adults.
• Traditional dacryocystorhinostomy techniques can be invasive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser for adult epiphora.
• To evaluate long-term outcomes and safety of this minimally invasive approach.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series involving 25 adult patients with nasolacrimal obstruction.
• Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy performed using a diode laser.
• Postoperative evaluation at 12, 24, and 36 months, assessing symptom improvement and lacrimal system patency.

Main Results:

• Successful re-establishment of lacrimal system patency in 88% of patients after 36 months.
• No significant difference in outcomes based on age (older vs. younger than 65).
• Consistent results observed between early (12 months) and late (36 months) follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with diode laser is an effective treatment for adult epiphora.
• The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal morbidity.
• This technique offers a viable, less invasive alternative for managing nasolacrimal obstruction.