Postoperative application of mitomycin-C in endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of the multiple postoperative applications of mitomycin-C (MMC) after endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

METHODS

Prospective interventional case series of 125 endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomies using the diode laser. Mitomycin-C was placed intra-operatively in all cases. Application of MMC was also done postoperatively at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. The main outcome measure for success was resolution or improvement of epiphora, the patency of the osteum and the presence or absence of complications from the MMC application. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 125 consecutive endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomies on 114 patients (102 women, 12 men, mean age 60 years) were done from January 2002 to January 2005. The success rate at 12 months postoperatively was 92.8%. All failures were due to cicatricial closure of the osteum. No significant intra-operative and postoperative nasal complications from the MMC were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Multiple postoperative applications of MMC appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive modality after endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.