title: Restoration of the patency of the nasolacrimal drainage system.
abstract: The anatomical lacrimal drainage system was restored in 30 patients who suffered from dacryostenosis and tearing. Previously, in order to alleviate these patients' symptoms, a dacryocystorhinostomy had had to be performed. In the new procedure, local anesthesia was given, and a 600-micron fiberoptic was introduced through the lacrimal drainage system to the obstruction area. A continuous 20 W/s Neodymium:YAG laser energy was used to reopen the drainage system. This is a simple office procedure. No skin cuts are required, no anatomical changes are made, and there is practically no bleeding. All patients returned to their normal everyday activity within a few hours after the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Dan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003607:Dacryocystitis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D019793:Fluorescein; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019793:Fluorescein