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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Endocanalicular, high-pressure balloon catheter, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a randomized controlled trial
Sameh M Ragab1, Mona S el-Koddousy, Mohammed Badr
1Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt. sragab@doctors.org.uk
Objectives:
To conduct a prospective randomized controlled study to investigate the safety and efficacy of endocanalicular, high-pressure, 5-mm balloon catheter, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in adult patients with acquired complete nasolacrimal obstruction.
Study Design:
Prospective randomized controlled study.
Setting:
General hospital.
Subjects And Methods:
Sixty-six adult patients with a total of 70 procedures were recruited to undergo endoscopic DCR. They were prospectively, equally randomized into 2 groups: endocanalicular, high-pressure, 5-mm balloon catheter, endoscopic DCR (group I) and conventional endoscopic DCR (group II). Regular follow-up sessions were conducted to document the patient's subjective improvement, judge ostium patency on irrigation, and record any complications.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated a success rate of 91.4%. There was a shorter mean operative time (25.7 minutes) in group I (P < .001). The number of adverse events was significantly higher in group II (P < .05). Group I showed statistically significantly more comfort during surgery under local anesthesia with minimal sedation (P < .05).
Conclusion:
Endocanalicular balloon catheter endoscopic DCR shares the advantages and success rate of conventional endoscopic DCR. In addition, the former is simpler, requires less manipulation, consumes a shorter operative time, has a better safety profile, and can be conducted under local anesthesia with minimal sedation.