Transcanalicular revision surgery for failed dacryocystorhinostomy

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of transcanalicular multi diode laser in revision dacryocystorhinostomy and to determine the outcomes. Materials and Methods. Fifty-three consecutive patients (19 males, 44 females) who were referred for recurrent dacryostenosis with epiphora after a failed primary dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) operation were included in the study. Patients were assigned to two separate groups on the basis of primary DCR operation: either endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (END-DCR) or transcanalicular multi diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TC-MDL DCR). TC-MDL DCR technique was used for revision surgeries in both groups. The mean age of the patients was 46.5 +/- 13.1 (Range, 15 -71) and the average follow-up duration was 12 months. Results. The success rate was 62% (18/29) in the primarily TC-MDL DCR operated group, and 85.2% (29/34) in the primarily END-DCR operated group respectively. The occlusion of internal ostium with granulation tissue was the leading etiology of unsuccessful surgical outcome in both group 1 and group 2 (42.8% and 28.5% respectively). Conclusions. TC-MDL DCR is a minimally invasive surgical method with relatively high success and low complication rates in patients with failed primary DCR requiring revision.