Comparative Analysis of Laser Assisted Endoscopie and Conventional Endoscopie Dacryocystorhinostomy

Background

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard surgical treatment for epiphora caused by obstructions distal to the common canaliculus. Endoscopic DCR (EDCR) and laser assisted DCR (LAEDCR) are becoming increasingly popular alternatives.

Method

69 cases of EDCR were compared with 18 cases of LAEDCR. The success rates were noted at 01 week, 01, 03 and 06 months. The operating time required, incidence of adjuvant procedures, complications and post operative morbidity were recorded.

Results

At the end of 06 months, 100% and 95% success was achieved with LAEDCR and EDCR respectively. Operating time, complication rates and the incidence of adjuvant procedures required were lesser in the LAEDCR group.

Conclusion

In our study both the procedures have comparable success rates, though LAEDCR has an edge over EDCR in terms of decreased duration of surgery, decreased post operative morbidity and lesser complications.Key Words: Epiphora, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, laser assisted endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy     

Pseudoaneurysm: a complication of faulty technique in femoral arterial puncture

Pseudoaneurysm is a well-documented but rare complication of retrograde femoral arterial puncture. We present six patients in whom pseudoaneurysm complicated this procedure. The pseudoaneurysm arose from the superficial femoral artery in five patients and from the profunda femoris artery in one. An arteriovenous fistula also arose from the superficial femoral artery in one patient. In no patient did the pseudoaneurysm arise from the common femoral artery. Two mechanisms are postulated as to why pseudoaneurysms rarely complicate puncture of the common femoral artery.