Comparison of external versus diode laser conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with lacrimal bypass tube placement in proximal canalicular blocks.

AIMS: Hyperlacrimation due to ocular surface or lid abnormality was ruled out and apposition of lower punctum to globe was checked.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

This was a pilot study at a tertiary eye care center where 40 patients of proximal canalicular block <8 mm on probing were divided into two equal groups. The external CDCR group underwent routine dacryocystorhinostomy with partial carunculectomy. A tract was created from canthus to nasal cavity with von Graefe knife. In the laser CDCR group, the osteotomy was created using 980 mm diode laser with a power of 8 W. Glass tubes of appropriate length were placed and fixed using 5-0 polypropylene with our "mirror tuck technique." Results were analyzed using the Chi-square test for parametric and ANOVA test for nonparametric variables using SPSS software.

RESULTS

Success defined as patency on syringing was achieved in 18 patients in the laser group and 16 in the external CDCR group which was comparable (P > 0.05). Complications include tube extrusion, dislocation, conjunctival overgrowth, and sump syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Laser and external CDCRs are both effective and safe procedures for the treatment of proximal canalicular blocks with comparable success rates and complications.