title: [Trans-canalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy: technical variations and results].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To confirm the usefulness of the trans-canalicular laser approach of lachrymal obstructions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out an observational, prospective, non-randomized interventional study on 150 consecutive eyes treated, between March 2004 and March 2005, using a trans-canalicular approach with a diode laser, under endonasal endoscopic control. We studied 2 groups of 75 eyes: in group I we did not use lachrymal silicone intubation nor mitomycin C; in group II we used mitomycin C and bicanalicular lachrymal intubation. Mean follow-up period has been 16 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Positive lachrymal irrigation was present in 67/75 eyes in group I and in 71/75 eyes in group II. Clinical improvement was found in 69/75 eyes in group I and in 73/75 in group II.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Technical variations as lachrymal intubation or use of mitomycin C have not demonstrate significant differences. Our results indicate that the transcanalicular approach with diode is effective, with minimal local and general morbidity.
authors: Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Municipal de Badalona, Barcelona, España. 24024jmr@comb.es
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Maeso Riera
authors: Maria Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Sellarès Fabrés
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies