Endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

Abstract

Endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) enables an obstructed lacrimal sac to be opened through an intranasal approach, avoiding the need for a skin incision. The holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet (holmium:YAG) laser is well-suited for this procedure because of its properties of fiberoptic delivery, effective bone cutting, and precise soft-tissue coagulation. Efficient bone ablation is particularly important for primary DCR which requires removal of relatively thick bone along the lateral nasal wall to expose the lacrimal sac. Forty-six endoscopic laser DCRs were performed on 40 patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The surgery successfully relieved lacrimal obstruction in 85% of patients. Endoscopic instrumentation allowed for the rapid identification and correction of intranasal causes of DCR failure, including ethmoid sinus disease and middle turbinate hypertrophy. Endoscopic laser DCR appears to be a safe and effective procedure which should be considered as an alternative to external DCR for the surgical treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

• Authors: R Metson, J J Woog, C A Puliafito
• Journal: The Laryngoscope (Laryngoscope) Vol. 104 Issue 3 Pt 1 Pg. 269-74 (Mar 1994) ISSN: 0023-852X [Print] United States
• PMID: 8127181 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Yttrium
• Holmium

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (methods)
• Endoscopy
• Female
• Holmium
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome
• Yttrium