title: [Significance of transcanalicular laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in modern lacrimal drainage surgery].
abstract: For the treatment of postsaccal lacrimal drainage obstructions transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) represents a less invasive alternative to external Toti procedures. Herein, a diode laser optical fiber is inserted into the lacrimal sac via the canaliculi. Under visual control with a nasal endoscope laser energy is applied until a patent osteotomy between the sac and nasal mucosa has been created. Published success rates of 70-90% get close to the excellent results of Toti procedures. Besides describing therapy planning and surgical technique, pros and cons of TCL-DCR are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Köln, 50924, Köln, Deutschland, konrad.koch@uk-koeln.de.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kühner
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cursiefen
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Heindl
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome