Endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy versus conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy a comparative study

ABSTRACT

Epiphora is very common in medical practice and constitutes an important portion of the practice of the lacrimal ophthalmologist [Song et at. 1993]. Obstruction to the outflow of tears may be due to displacement or obstruction of the lower punctum or obstruction of the lower canaliculus. lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct [Lyle et at. 1968]. Thirty patients suffering from epiphora. chronic dacryocystitis and having lacrimal obstruction distal to the common canaliculus were achieved by dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR]. This was carried out by either endoscopic transnasal approach [15 patients] or by conventional external approach [15 patients]. Both techniques were performed as a team effort. Otolaryngologist and Ophthalmologist. With a follow up ranging from 6 to 12 months endoscopic transnasal DCR successfully relieved all symptoms of lacrimal obstruction in 12 of 15 patients [80%] while external DCR cured 11 of 15 patients [73] There were some intraoperative difficulties that may explain surgical failures in both sides. The choice of the method of DCR to be performed should be determined by the type of the case, the pathology found and the available equipments