Endonasal CO2-laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy

ABSTRACT

The laser is once again poised to revolutionize ophthalmology, this time in the field of lacrimal surgery. At many centers, transnasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy is currently being performed and evaluated as a less invasive method for lacrimal bypass surgery than the traditional method. We have performed this new operation on ten patients. Advantages include avoidance of a cutaneous scar, reduction of surgical trauma and bleeding, minimal postoperative pain, and a shortened period of recovery. The surgical success rate of 90% is comparable to that of conventional dacryocystorhinostomy