Holmium:YAG endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy

Previously described techniques of endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy appear to offer several advantages over conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy, including the following: (1) decreased disruption of medial canthal anatomy, (2) enhanced hemostasis, and (3) avoidance of a cutaneous scar. Although good results were achieved, several limitations of early laser-assisted techniques have been noted, including difficulty in removal of the thick bone of the anterior lacrimal crest and inability to obtain specimens of lacrimal sac mucosa for biopsy purposes. In a series of 40 consecutive, primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy procedures, we used the holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser for bone removal and endoscopic sinus surgical instrumentation to obtain lacrimal sac biopsy specimens. Intraoperative hemostasis was excellent and medial canthal scarring was avoided in all patients. The overall long-term ostium patency rate in our series was 82%. Several technical modifications adopted in the latter part of our series, including use of a small drill for supplemental bone removal, extensive removal of lacrimal sac mucosa, and use of a double stent, appeared to enhance this success rate.