Punctoplasty Using a Radiofrequency Surgical Unit for Punctal Stenosis

PURPOSE: To introduce and assess the results of punctoplasty using a radiofrequency surgical unit for punctal stenosis. METHODS: Patients who complained of epiphora, had an intact lacrimal pathway below puncti, and underwent punctoplasty with the Ellman Surgitron F.F.P.F were evaluated in the present study. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (31 eyes) were included in the study. The average age was 55 years (+/-15.7 years). At the last follow-up visit, 27 eyes (87%) had patent puncti, 1 eye became stenotic again, and 3 eyes were completely obstructed. Twenty-two eyes (71%) showed almost complete disappearance of dye on the fluorescein dye-disappearance test (FDDT). Twenty-five eyes (81%) had symptomatic improvement. No significant complication was reported postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Punctoplasty with a radiofrequency surgical unit is a simple and effective method for punctal stenosis.

Removal of Benign Tumors at the Eyelid Margin Using the Radiofrequency Surgical Unit

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the radiofrequency surgical unit for the removal of benign tumors at the eyelid margin. METHODS: Twenty-five benign tumors at the eyelid margin were removed with the Ellman Surgitron F.F.P.F(R). Histologic examination of the excised tumors was performed in 18 of the 25 cases. RESULTS: There were 15 eyes of 15 females and 10 eyes of 10 males with age ranging from 20.9 to 73.5 years (mean, 41.8 years). Over a mean follow-up of 21.1 months, there was no instance of recurrence in any of the patients. In addition, there were no serious complications except temporary foreign body sensation and eye discharges. CONCLUSIONS: Using the radiofrequency surgical unit for benign tumors at the eyelid margin may simplify the surgery, avoid recurrence, and produce a satisfactory cosmetic effect.