Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with the Use of Radiofrequency (RF) Surgical Technique

Endonazal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with radiofrequency (RF) surgical technique is a procedure selected for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has the high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR radiofrequency RF operative technique. The modified endonasal RF-coagulation technique was performed in patients aged 18 - 85 (women-80, men-35) from 2017 to 2023. All patients suffered from chronic dacryocystitis. They had been administered the course of traditional conservative treatment and were provided with the ophthalmologist’s and otorhinolaryngology’s consultations prior to the surgery. In order to verify the diagnosis, the patients were conducted the CT-scan examination of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the endoscopy of nasal cavity. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with RF coagulator proved to be effective in 80% of patients; Over 3 - 4 years following the surgery, the recurrence was manifested in 8 patients after 6 months and in 12 patients, after a year. The above mentioned surgical treatment is administered by minimally invasive surgical method. At the same time, the long-term, for about 1 year, implantation of silicone drainage in the nasolacrimal ducts significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. At the present stage, the endoscopic Endo-DCR surgery is being improved, and the diverse treatment methods, including radiofrequency (RF) in endonasal endoscopic microsurgical techniques, are being studied and introduced into practice.