ENDONASAL ENDOSCOPIC DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY USING RADIOFREQUENCY IN CHRONIC ABSCESSED DACRYOCYSTITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency-assisted endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (RF-EE-DCR) in patients with chronic abscessed dacryocystitis.

METHODS

A prospective single-arm study included 35 patients, all presenting with a lacrimal sac abscess. Outcomes included anatomical and functional success, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, pain score (VAS), and complications. Surgical success required endoscopic patency and complete symptom resolution. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring full protection of patient rights. Ethical approval was obtained (IRB No. 5). Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 20-40 minutes, and intraoperative blood loss 10-30 mL. No complications were reported (0%). Anatomical and functional success rates at 12 months were 100%. All abscesses resolved completely by 2 months. Postoperative pain decreased from VAS 4/10 on day 1 to 0/10 by week 1.

CONCLUSION

RF-EE-DCR is a highly effective and safe method for treating chronic abscessed dacryocystitis, demonstrating minimal invasiveness, excellent hemostasis, rapid recovery, and 100% long-term success.