Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:16-18
( January )
Endolacrimal laser assisted lacrimal surgery
Klaus Muellnera, Elisabeth Bodnera, Geva E Mannorb, Gerald Wolfc, Thiemo Hofmannc, Wolfgang Luxenbergerc
a Department of
Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria, b Department of Ophthalmology,
Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA, c Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University
of Graz
Correspondence to: Klaus Muellner, MD, Department of
Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, A-8036 Graz,
Austria
Accepted for publication 25 June 1999
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.
METHODSA 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.
RESULTSAfter 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.
CONCLUSIONSThe 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.
© 2000 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
