Krypton laser suture lysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Traditionally, the argon laser has been used with suture lysis. The authors evaluate the krypton laser and define the parameters for the successful use of the laser with this procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five consecutive patients undergoing combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery who were considered candidates for this procedure underwent krypton laser suture lysis. Three laser suture lysis contact lenses were used during this procedure. None of the patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy in the form of either 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin-C.

RESULTS

All five patients were successfully treated with the krypton laser. In all cases, the 10-0 nylon sutures were cut. No complications were observed in any patients. The only side effect observed was occasional mild pain noted by the first few patients during the procedure. As the krypton laser settings were adjusted, this problem was corrected.

CONCLUSION

The krypton laser can be successfully used to cut 10-0 nylon sutures following trabeculectomy surgery.