Endoscopic treatment of lacrimal stenosis with a KTP-laser - first results

Background Since four years, endoscopes with which the mucosa and disorders of the lacrimal drainage system can be examined directly, are available. T he wish to treat lacrimal disorders with endoscopes and laser have remained . Patients and Methods Between January 1996 and February 1997, 12 patients wi th acquired lacrimal stenosis were treated with an Hyb:Erbium-YAG-laser and 32 patients were treated with a KTP-laser (quasi-cw mode, wavelength 532 n m and 10 W power). Five patients were treated for lower canaliculus stenosi s and seven patients for postsaccal stenosis with the Hyb:Erbium-YAG-laser. 32 patients with postsaccal stenosis were treated with the KTP-laser to pe rform a bony window of 5 x 5 mm. Bicanalicular intubation into the nose was performed and was left for at least three months. Results The longest follow up period was 30 months while the shortest was 1 3 months in the Hyb:Erbium-YAG-laser group. Treatment was successful in fou r cases with a canalicular stenosis, but restenosis occurred in all cases o f postsaccal stenosis and in one case of canalicular stenosis and required a conventional DCR. In the KTP-laser group 25-patients are patent and have no symptoms, 4 patients have watering cold weather and 3 patients had a res tenosis. Follow-up range between 2 months and 12 months. Conclusions The Hyb:Erbium-YAG-laser is succesful in thin membranes and sma ll restenosis. With the KTP-laser a successfull transcanalicular laser assi sted DCR is possible.