[Laser-assisted transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy. Initial results].
BACKGROUND
Endoscopes for direct examination of the mucosa and disorders of the lacrimal drainage system have been available for four years. This had led to the wish to be able to treat lacrimal disorders by endoscopes and laser.


METHODS
Since September 1997 we have treated 48 patients by laser-assisted transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using a KTP laser, including all those with stenosis to the nasolacrimal duct and all those with postsaccal stenosis. A bony window with diameter of 5 x 5 mm was created. Bicanalicular intubation into the nose was performed and was left for 3-6 months.


RESULTS
We found 40 patients to have patent lacrimal pathway and no symptoms, 4 watering in cold weather, and 4 a restenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The KTP-laser is sufficiently powerful to create bony windows at least 5 mm in diameter, and a transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR is therefore possible.
Universitäts-Augenklinik Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, A-8036 Graz.
K
K
Müllner
G
G
Wolf
W
W
Luxenberger
T
T
Hofmann
D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors