Damayanti M. Suranagi1, B. I. Mirajkar2, A. V. Revankar3, Madhuri Parande4
PURPOSE: To compare the success rate and complications of external dacryocystorhinostomy (ExDCR) and transcanalicular laser assisted dacryocysto-rhinostomy (TCL-DCR) surgeries performed in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
METHODS: Sixty four patients with the diagnosis of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were studied. Study period was 18 months. 30 patients in group A underwent Ex DCR, 34 patients in group B underwent TCL-DCR. Cases were followed up periodically for 6 months to note any complications and failure of the procedure.
RESULTS: The patients in both the groups belonged to the age group of 18-65 years. In group A, failure was seen in 2 cases (6.6%) and complications were seen in 7 cases (23.33%). In group B, failure was seen in 3 patients (8.8%) and complications were seen in 2 patients (5.8%). The success rate of Ex DCR and TCL-DCR was found to be 93.4% and 92.2% respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of Ex DCR was comparable to that of TCL-DCR; however, complications were more in the former. TCL-DCR avoids post-operative morbidity and excessive tissue injury. Hence, we conclude that TCL-DCR was less traumatic, less time consuming, and had better cosmetic outcome.
