OBJECTIVE: To confirm the usefulness of the trans-canalicular laser approach of lachrymal obstructions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We carried out an observational, prospective, non-randomized interventional study on 150 consecutive eyes treated, between March 2004 and March 2005, using a trans-canalicular approach with a diode laser, under endonasal endoscopic control. We studied 2 groups of 75 eyes: in group I we did not use lachrymal silicone intubation nor mitomycin C; in group II we used mitomycin C and bicanalicular lachrymal intubation. Mean follow-up period has been 16 months. RESULTS: Positive lachrymal irrigation was present in 67/75 eyes in group I and in 71/75 eyes in group II. Clinical improvement was found in 69/75 eyes in group I and in 73/75 in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Technical variations as lachrymal intubation or use of mitomycin C have not demonstrate significant differences. Our results indicate that the transcanalicular approach with diode is effective, with minimal local and general morbidity.
OBJECTIVE: To confirm the usefulness of the trans-canalicular laser approach of lachrymal obstructions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We carried out an observational, prospective, non-randomized interventional study on 150 consecutive eyes treated, between March 2004 and March 2005, using a trans-canalicular approach with a diode laser, under endonasal endoscopic control. We studied 2 groups of 75 eyes: in group I we did not use lachrymal silicone intubation nor mitomycin C; in group II we used mitomycin C and bicanalicular lachrymal intubation. Mean follow-up period has been 16 months. RESULTS: Positive lachrymal irrigation was present in 67/75 eyes in group I and in 71/75 eyes in group II. Clinical improvement was found in 69/75 eyes in group I and in 73/75 in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Technical variations as lachrymal intubation or use of mitomycin C have not demonstrate significant differences. Our results indicate that the transcanalicular approach with diode is effective, with minimal local and general morbidity.