ENDONASAL CO2-ND-YAG LASER DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY

A preliminary series of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was carried ou t on 12 patients with nasolacrimal obstruction using a recently develo ped combined CO2-Nd:YAG laser that was guided by a fiberoptic light pi pe inserted into the lacrimal sac through lacrimal canaliculi. The lac rimal passages were stented using silicone tubing that was kept in pla ce for 6 months postoperatively. At an average fellow-up time of 14.3 months the success rate was 83%. The advantages of the operation inclu de a relatively short operation time, quick rehabilitation, absence of a skin wound, good hemostasis, and preservation of canthal anatomy.