Efficacy of Diode Laser Transcanalicular Dacryocystorhinostomy in acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Background: The procedure of choice for the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is dacryocystorhinostomy. Diode laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy is a relatively new procedure. This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical outcome of diode laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of acquired nasolacrimal pathway obstruction. Material & Methods: This was an interventional study of 36 patients with nasolacrimal pathway obstruction, admitted to Basrah General Hospital, from March 2008 to April 2010. Diode laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy with or without silicon tube insertion was done. Patients were followed for 6 months to evaluate the success rate of the procedure. Results: The age range of patients was 6-60 years. Eleven (31.25%) were males and 25(68.75%) females. All these cases were unilateral. Thirty-three (93.05%) of patients were operated under general and 3(6.94%) under local anesthesia. The overall success rate was 62.5% in non-intubated patients and 93.75% with intubation. Conclusion: Diode laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy is a successful surgical procedure for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Intubation is recommended in cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.