[Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy technique using diode laser].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the surgical technique and to evaluate the clinical results of carrying out transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomies using a diode laser (DCR-TC), including the advantages and limitations of this technique.


METHODS
43 DCR-TC were studied and they were analysed using a prospective, interventional, non randomized and non comparative study. We used local and topical anaesthesia in patients with a clinical history of epiphora or dacryocystitis for nasolacrimal obstruction. A diode laser was used to effect a vaporization of the lacrimal sac, osteotomy and vaporization with coagulation of nasal mucosa. The mean duration of surgery was 14 minutes (range 7 to 29 minutes). In all cases, and during a two-month period, bicanalicular intubation was carried out using a silicone tube and prolene filament. Follow-up was between 4 to 38 months. The degree of epiphora was evaluated using the Munk scale and lacrimal permeability was evaluated using Jones I and II tests by direct videoendoscopic control in all cases.


RESULTS
43 DCR-TC were realized, 39 cases are asymptomatic (90.7%). 2 of them (4.65%) had epiphora (degree 2 on the Munk scale) and permeable tract. One case (2.32%) presented lower canaliculi obstruction. One patient showed total osteotomy closing.


CONCLUSIONS
Transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy carried out using a diode laser is a useful method because it does not cause cutaneous scarring, it hardly produces pain and bleeding, it respects the lacrimal pump, it needs less surgical time, it can be carried out in an out-patient surgery and it generates minimal intra and postsurgical morbility.
Alañón Fernández
F J
FJ
Centro Oftalmológico Jaén, Spain. fjaf@zonaopen.com
Alañón Fernández
M A
MA
Martínez Fernández
A
A
Cárdenas Lara
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies