Success Rate of Transcanalicular Diode LASER –Assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract

Objective:
To study the percentage of success rate of transcanalicular diode LASER assited  Dacryocystorhinostomy  TC-DLA-DCR  in  case  of  acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction(NLDO).
Method:
A thin fiber of 360 micron diameter with 918 nm diode LASER has a very high energy at LASER tip which help in vaporization of bone and soft tissue at low LASER power .
In our technique a thin fibro-optic pass through dilated upper or lower punctum to the lacrimal sac and aiming beam seen through a rigid nasal endoscope attached to a screen and once the proper position is reached the laser is fired to ablate the bone and nasal mucosa and appropriate osteotomy is done.
Results:
Seventy five patients (26male and 49 female)were followed from Jan. 2017 to Aug 2022 with bicanalicular intubation .follow up show absence of epiphora and a patent nasolacrimal duct on irrigation 73 out of 75 patients. 3out 73 patients had epiphora despite a patent NLD on irrigation.
Conclusion:
980nm diode laser through 360micrometer fiber is very effective in bone penetration and ablation.It minimally invasive, quick surgery, can be done under local anesthesia and in patient with coagulopathy and have a high success rate.