Use of laser for dacrocystorhinostomy.
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.
Ajalloueyan
Mohammad
M
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baqiyatallah Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran. ajall@ajall.com
Fartookzadeh
Mohammad
M
Parhizgar
Hamid
H
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