Postoperative changes in olfactory function after transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) is used much in recent years for the surgery of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Although TCL-DCR is accepted to be minimally invasive, safe, and effective, there is no report focusing on postoperative changes in olfactory function after this procedure. Hence, the aim of this current study was to investigate the changes in olfactory function after TCL-DCR procedure.

This study was carried out in 42 volunteers (16 men and 26 women) between the ages of 20 and 81 years. All participants received detailed lateralized olfactory tests preoperatively and at the postoperative first week, first month, third month, and sixth month. After lateralized olfactory tests were performed, the results were grouped according to the side of the nasal passage where the operation was performed for NLDO: the nonoperated side served as the control.

The current investigation produced 2 major findings: (1) olfactory function decreased significantly after TCL-DCR procedure at the operated side of the nose compared with the nonoperated side; (2) olfactory abilities of the patients returned to normal within 3 months.

The results of this study showed that transcanalicular diode laser could be used safely in terms of olfactory function for dacryocystorhinostomy. Temporary decrease of olfactory function on the side having TCL-DCR should be taken into account when obtaining informed patient consent.