title: [Rigid GRIN-endoscope for endoscopy of the tear ducts].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Using small endoscopes it is now possible to evaluate the status of lacrimal ducts in vivo. GRIN-Lenses produce better pictures from the lacrimal ways than fiber-bundles. GRIN-endoscopes are rigid. The present study is concerned with the feasibility and indications of such GRIN-endoscopic examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two different GRIN-endoscopes with a distal diameter of 0.89 mm were used. One with a phi 0.5 mm optic and an additional working channel and another one with a phi 0.35 mm optic and two additional working channels. One channel each was used for injection of air or 0.9% NaCl. Either a laser fiber or another instrument (max phi 0.16 mm) could be introduced into the second channel. 44 patients in age between 18 and 87 with symptoms of epiphora or signs of chronic lacrimal way affections were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The presaccal lacrimal ducts could be clearly visualized in all patients. In case of presaccal stenosis, the examination of the lacrimal sac was not always possible. The endoscope used, based of GRIN-lenses, gave an excellent image quality. Endoscopy under local anesthesia was well tolerated by all the patients with affection of the lacrimal drainage system. Because this ambulant examination does not stress the patient too much, it could be repeated a number of times. Endoscopy under general narcosis could enlarge the application spectrum. This method can complement the ambulant diagnostics and therapy of the lacrimal drainage system.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Augenklinik Basel, Schweiz.
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Sens
authors.forename: P O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Rol
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yanar
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Robert
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods
vernacular_title: Starres GRIN-Endoskop zur Tränenwegsendoskopie.