Dacryocystorhinostomy with two mucosal flap

The obstruction of nasolacrimal conduit system which produces epiphora can be caused by congenital anomalies, chronic dacryocystitis, after trauma and facial paralysis. Dacryocystorhinostomy is a popular procedure for adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction. But various methods are used for flap formation and plugging. We performed 23 cases of the dacryocystorhinostomy with two mucosal flap of "U" shape from August 1993 to August 1996. Anterior flap was formed of nasal mucosa, and posterior flap was formed of lacrimal sac. The posterior flap was retracted through the nasal cavity by 6-0 black silk instead of suturing. Vaseline gauze was used as a plugging agent. Epiphora disappeared in 21 (91.3%) of 23 cases.