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. PATIENTS AND 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.
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. PATIENTS AND 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.