AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of Nd:YAG laser dacryocystoplasty with retrograde placement of lacrimal drainage tube for lacrimal duct obstruction and the influencing factors in the operation.

METHODS: A total of 20 patients(23 eyes)with lacrimal duct obstruction were treated with Nd:YAG laser dacryocystoplasty with retrograde placement of lacrimal drainage tubes for 3 months. All patients were followed up for 3-12 months. Nasal cavity condition on the affected side before operation, nasal cavity injury in operation, lacrimation, suppuration, recovery of lacrimal passage function and complications after operation were observed.

RESULTS: By the last following up, 19 eyes(82.6%)had been cured, 2 eye(8.7%)had improved, 2 eyes(8.7%)had no improvement. And the total effective rate was 91.3%. The effective rate was 100%(2/2)in patients with obstruction of lacrimal canaliculus, 100.00%(15/15)in patients with obstruction of lacrimal duct, 66.7%(2/3)in patients with obstruction of nasolacrimal canal, and 66.7%(2/3)in pateints with obstruction of lacrimal ductule and nasolacrimal canal. One eye was with mild irritation at about postoperative 2 weeks, 3 eyes presented with red swelling in surrounding tissues of lacrimal ductule, 2 eyes manifested with laceration of lacrimal punctum. No other complication was found.

CONCLUSION: Laser dacryocystoplasty with retrograde placement of lacrimal drainage tube is a useful method for treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction.