
External Dacryocystorhinostomy Versus
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy:
A Comparison
182-186
Correspondence
Dr. Kuldeep Moras,
Asst. Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology,
Fr. Muller Medical college, Kankanady,
Mangalore- 575002
E-mail: kuldeepmoras@gmail.com
Mobile No.: +91 9902200638
Toti’s technique of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) had been the treatment of choice for epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction since 1904. With the introduction of rigid nasal endoscopes in the 1970s and the advent of endoscopic sinus surgery, intranasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy has come into existence. This study compares the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy with endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. 40 patients who were diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction or chronic dacryocystitis were included in the study. They were randomized into two groups. Group I included 20 patients who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy and group II included the rest of the 20 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. Although both the procedures had a success rate of 90%, endoscopic DCR was helpful in avoiding a scar on the face and injury to the neighbouring structures like the medial palpebral ligament and the angular facial vessels. The surgical duration for endoscopic DCR was short as compared to that of the external approach. Our study concludes that endoscopic DCR is as good as external DCR for the treatment of primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryocystitis.