Use of laser for dacrocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes between conventional external dacrocystorhinostomy (ext DCR) and endonasal laser-assisted DCR (ELADCR). DESIGN Prospective randomized trial. PATIENTS The study included 210 consecutive patients (244 eyes) referred to hospital eye and ear, nose, and throat clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Success rates and complications of ext DCR and ELADCR were compared after lacrimal ducts requiring DCR were randomly chosen and divided into 2 groups (ext DCR and ELADCR). RESULTS The success rate was statistically equal in both groups (92.4% for ext DCR and 94.2% for ELADCR); however, morbidity (eg, intraoperative hemorrhage and wound scar) and operation time were less in the ELADCR group. CONCLUSION Preoperative patient consultation for selection of the surgical modality may help select the procedure of choice for each patient with regard to aesthetics, anesthesia, operation time, and costs.