Endolacrimal laser assisted lacrimal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To utilise the improved optical qualities of newly developed lacrimal endoscopes and newly miniaturised laser fibres for diagnostic visualisation and laser surgery of the lacrimal system.


METHODS
A KTP laser (wavelength 532 nm, 10 W energy) was used for laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with endolacrimal visualisation in 26 patients. Bicanalicular silicone intubation was placed in all patients for at least 3 months.


RESULTS
After 3-9 months of follow up, the silicone tube in all 21 patients who underwent KTP laser DCR are still patent, three patients have eye watering in extremely cold weather and two required a conventional DCR.


CONCLUSIONS
The KTP laser generates enough power to open the bony window in DCR surgery. Precise endolacrimal visualisation via a specially designed miniendoscope is essential for surgical success.
Muellner
K
K
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Bodner
E
E
Mannor
G E
GE
Wolf
G
G
Hofmann
T
T
Luxenberger
W
W
D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome