Thermal damage influences endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy success.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success rates of two surgical methods of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) at the stage of ostium creation. In procedure 1, a Colorado needle is used to create the mucosectomy, while in procedure 2 no heated instruments are applied to the mucosa. METHODS: A total of 173 patients (218 eyes) underwent endonasal DCR between 2006 and 2009. Efficacy was assessed by a fluorescein endoscopic test at 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The success rate in group 2 was higher than in group 1 (91 vs. 81%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We have found a significant difference, which supports that a 'cold' surgical technique may be better than the use of heated instruments.