This study aimed to evaluate the success rates of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) during three years of follow-up and to find clinical factors that influence surgical outcomes. Major outcomes were defined as a patent neo-ostium tested by irrigation (anatomical success) and a patent osteotomy with the absence of epiphora (functional success), assessed at six-month, one, two and three-year follow-up visits. To determine which factors influence success rates, patients were divided by gender, age, previous lacrimal surgeries, nasosinusal anatomy, energy employed, treatment with topical prostaglandin analogs and timing of extubation. A total of 134 eyes were included; 55.2% of patients underwent peribulbar block, with average surgical duration around 30 mins. Anatomical and functional success rates were achieved as follows: 80% and 70.8% at six months; 69.3% and 61.4% at one year; 64.2% and 58% at two years; 56.4% and 46.2% at three years. Functional success was significantly higher in younger patients (p=.008). Bicanalicular intubation for two months improved anatomical and functional success rates (p=.028 and p=.001, respectively); 85.8% of patients did not experience any complications. Palpebral swelling was the most frequent complication. The authors concluded that TCL-DCR is a minimally invasive, repeatable, and safe alternative to treat nasolacrimal duct obstructions, and report success rates to be comparable to the reported literature, with younger patients and those intubated for two months demonstrating better outcomes.
