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 inbone penetration and ablation.It minimally invasive, quick surgery,can be done under local anesthesia and in patient with coagulopathyand have a high success rate