Abstract

Aim of this study is to compare endoscopic endolaser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation (BSTI) and external DCR results. The records of patients who underwent DCR operation were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were invited to the controls in the postoperative period. In their follow-ups, changes in symptoms and findings, the duration of the tubes remain in place were recorded. 132 eyes of 124 patients were included in the study. 63 eyes of 61 patients were applied endolaser DCR (Group 1) and 69 eyes of 63 patients were applied external DCR (Group 2) (p>0.05). Patients were followed 6.6 months (2-11 months) and 5.9 months (2-7 months) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p>0.05). Mean age of patients was 51.2 years old (range between 27-81 years) and 48.5 years old (range between 25-82 years), respectively (p>0.05). Irritative symptoms and findings were regressed and no recurrence was observed during follow-up in 54 patients (85.7%) and 64 patients (92.8%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p>0.05). Endolaser DCR + BSTE application seems to be an effective method in lacrimal stenosis.

Key words: Lacrimal duct stenosis, endoscopic endolaser dacryocystorhinostomy, bicanalicular silicone tube intubation