You are here

Article Text

Article menu
Download PDFPDF
Original Article
Endolacrimal laser assisted lacrimal surgery
  1. Klaus Muellnera,
  2. Elisabeth Bodnera,
  3. Geva E Mannorb,
  4. Gerald Wolfc,
  5. Thiemo Hofmannc,
  6. Wolfgang Luxenbergerc
  1. aDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria, bDepartment of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA, cDepartment of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Graz
  1. Klaus Muellner, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, A-8036 Graz, Austria

Abstract

AIMS 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.

  • laser
  • dacryocystorhinostomy
  • lacrimal stenosis
  • endoscope

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.84.1.16

Statistics from Altmetric.com

    Request Permissions

    If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

    View Full Text

    Footnotes