title: Use of laser for dacrocystorhinostomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare outcomes between conventional external dacrocystorhinostomy (ext DCR) and endonasal laser-assisted DCR (ELADCR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 210 consecutive patients (244 eyes) referred to hospital eye and ear, nose, and throat clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Success rates and complications of ext DCR and ELADCR were compared after lacrimal ducts requiring DCR were randomly chosen and divided into 2 groups (ext DCR and ELADCR).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rate was statistically equal in both groups (92.4% for ext DCR and 94.2% for ELADCR); however, morbidity (eg, intraoperative hemorrhage and wound scar) and operation time were less in the ELADCR group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preoperative patient consultation for selection of the surgical modality may help select the procedure of choice for each patient with regard to aesthetics, anesthesia, operation time, and costs.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baqiyatallah Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran. ajall@ajall.com
authors: Mohammad
authors: M
authors: Ajalloueyan
authors: Mohammad
authors: M
authors: Fartookzadeh
authors: Hamid
authors: H
authors: Parhizgar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome