title: Endonasal CO2-Nd:YAG laser dacryocystorhinostomy.
abstract: A preliminary series of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was carried out on 12 patients with nasolacrimal obstruction using a recently developed combined CO2-Nd:YAG laser that was guided by a fiberoptic light pipe inserted into the lacrimal sac through lacrimal canaliculi. The lacrimal passages were stented using silicone tubing that was kept in place for 6 months postoperatively. At an average follow-up time of 14.3 months the success rate was 83%. The advantages of the operation include a relatively short operation time, quick rehabilitation, absence of a skin wound, good hemostasis, and preservation of canthal anatomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Central University Hospital of Turku, University of Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seppä
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grenman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hartikainen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis