Medical College of Wisconsin
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Endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy. A new approach to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Arch Ophthalmol 1990 Aug;108(8):1172-6

Date

08/01/1990

Pubmed ID

2383207

DOI

10.1001/archopht.1990.01070100128048

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0025148199 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   277 Citations

Abstract

A high-powered argon blue-green laser coupled to a 300-microns quartz fiberoptic catheter was used to create intranasal dacryocystorhinostomy fistulas in fresh-frozen cadaver heads. The procedure, which we term endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy, is described. Cadaver specimens were examined postoperatively. Laser rhinostomies were found to involve the posteroinferior portion of the lacrimal sac fossa. Tissues surrounding the fistula site showed no signs of damage. We report on the first patient to undergo endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with 10 months of follow-up. We believe endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy offers the following advantages over standard external dacryocystorhinostomy: (1) Tissue injury is limited to the discrete fistula site. (2) The cutaneous scar and cosmetic blemish of an external dissection are eliminated. (3) Excellent hemostasis is maintained. (4) Minimal operative and postoperative morbidity permits outpatient surgery, with faster resumption of normal daily activities and increased cost-effectiveness. (5) Patients prefer endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy to external dacryocystorhinostomy.

Author List

Massaro BM, Gonnering RS, Harris GJ

Author

Gerald J. Harris MD Professor in the Ophthalmology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Argon
Cadaver
Dacryocystorhinostomy
Female
Humans
Lacrimal Apparatus
Laser Therapy
Nasolacrimal Duct
Nose