Factors affecting the outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy

Forty-nine patients [32 females, 17 males] underwent Dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR] at Salmaniya Medical Centre, Bahrain between January 1 st 1980 and December 31 st 1986. Patients were the subject of a retrospective study. Seven factors were evaluated to determine their effect on the resulting patency of the lacrimal drainage system. Of the 49 patients, 34 attended for further clinical assessment of which 20 [59%] were found to be patent and 14 [41%] non-patent. The two factors influencing patency of the nasolacrimal system included the sex of the patient and the resulting scar