Comparison of endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy with and without endonasal procedures

To evaluate the role of concomitant endonasal procedures in endocanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

This was a retrospective study, conducted on adult patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Thirty-one (seven bilateral) patients formed group 1 and 37 (five bilateral) patients group 2. Group 1 underwent endocanalicular laser DCR. In group 2, concomitant endonasal procedures, namely middle turbinectomy and endonasal mechanical enlargement of the neo-ostium were additionally performed. Mean follow-up period was 14.6 months for group 1, and 11.0 for group 2.

Functional success was defined as the absence of epiphora, and anatomical success as the ability to irrigate the lacrimal system. Anatomic and functional success at each visit were compared using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Total laser energies used for each case were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Anatomical success rates were increased at the third month, sixth month and final visits. The increase was statistically significant. P value was 0.04 for the third and sixth month results comparison. Final anatomical success rates were 27/38 for group 1 and 39/42 for group 2 (p = 0.02). Final functional success rates were 25/38 patients in group 1 and 36/42 in group 2 (p = 0.07). Mean total laser energy used decreased from 300.0 to 165.0 joules (p < 0.001).

Based on our increased anatomical success rates, concomitant endonasal procedures may help increase success rate in endocanalicular diode laser DCR cases.