Transcanalicular Diode Laser-Assisted Revision Surgery for Failed Dacryocystorhinostomy With or Without Distal or Common Canalicular Obstruction.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery for failed dacryocystorhinostomy with/without distal or common canalicular obstruction.

METHODS: The medical records and recorded videos of consecutive transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries performed for failed dacryocystorhinostomy between May 2011 and May 2015 were reviewed. Cases of unavailability of video and cases lost to follow up after surgery were excluded from the study. With respect to the level of obstruction, lacrimal drainage systems were divided into Group 1 (obstruction at the level of the ostium) and Group 2 (obstruction at the level of the distal or common canaliculus). Data associated with anatomical and functional success were analyzed.

RESULTS: Revision dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries were performed on 68 patients during the study period. Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgeries were performed on 48 eyes of 39 patients. Mean follow-up period after revision surgery was 13.3 ± 12.6 months. Overall, anatomical success rate was 83.3% (40/48) and functional success rate was 68.8% (33/48). Anatomical success rates and functional success rates in the 2 groups showed no significant difference (80.0% [24/30] vs. 86.7% [13/15], p = 0.699; 70.0% [21/30] vs. 66.7% [10/15], p = 1.000, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted revision surgery may be an alternative technique for failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Distal or common canalicular obstruction did not affect the outcomes of revision surgeries.