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[Endoscopic laser dacryoplasty. Methodology and outcome after 3 months]
H W Meyer-Rüsenberg1, K H Emmerich, M Lüchtenberg
1Augenklinik, St. Josefs-Hospital Hagen, Universität Witten-Herdecke.
Background:
After performing endoscopy of the lacrimal passage, the endoscopic system can be connected to an erbium-YAG laser if the indications are appropriate.
Materials And Methods:
In a bi-center study we performed laser dacryoplasty in 53 cases out of 261 endoscopy procedures (18 stenoses of the canaliculi, 19 stenoses of the sac, 9 stenoses of the nasolacrimal duct, 9 restenoses following DCR). In 35 cases an examination was done and in all 53 cases the results were obtained by means of a questionnaire.
Results:
Epiphora and irrigation were improved in more than 75%.
Conclusion:
Suitable indications are small stenoses in the sac or duct membranes following DCR. Laser dacryoplasty is a promising method, but more studies still need to be conducted to obtain long-term results. The technical system must also still be improved to make it easier to handle.