Long-Term Results in Transcanalicular Laser and External Dacryocystorhinostomy

INTRODUCTION: This study was an examination of the long-term results of transcanalicular laser (TCL) and external (EX) dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
METHODS: Patients who had undergone TCL-DCR or EX-DCR between 2009 and 2013 were invited for long-term follow-up in 2019. All of the patients who responded had an ophthalmic examination and were assessed using lacrimal irrigation. An intranasal evaluation was performed when the irrigation test had non-patent results. TCL procedures were performed with a diode laser (980 nm). Ostium cleansing with a suction unit and a nasal endoscope was performed in the first week. In EX-DCR procedures, an anterior flap was created and tented to the orbicularis oculi muscle. A silicon tube was implanted in both methods and removed at 4-6 months.
RESULTS: A total of 74 EX-DCR patients were assessed. The lacrimal irrigation test was negative in 5 cases. The functional success rate was 93.2% with a follow-up of 8 years. A total of 63 patients who had undergone TCL-DCR were evaluated and the irrigation test was negative in 9 patients. The functional success rate was 85.7% with a follow-up of 7 years. The difference in the success rate was statistically insignificant with a p value of 0.09.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The long-term success rates of both EX-DCR and TCL-DCR were high.