The evolution of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

Dacryocystorhinostomy is an important treatment in the relief of tearing. Through the years, there have been several advances in this procedure. Once performed only from an external approach, the advent of rigid endoscopes and endoscopic instrumentation has made the endonasal approach a reality. Advantages of the endonasal approach include lack of a cutaneous incision and excellent visualization of intranasal pathology, which is often the cause of dacryocystorhinostomy failure. Preoperative evaluation including a detailed medical history, physical examination with office endoscopy, and imaging, as well as postoperative care are important. Surgical technique with detailed knowledge of intranasal anatomy and meticulous attention to hemostasis are critical. Endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy is also performed today, and special preoperative considerations and key features of the lasers available are important in the selection of a laser for tissue or bone ablation during the procedure. Endoscopic conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy is performed today, and given the critical nature of proper length and placement of the Jones tube intranasally, provides the significant advantage of intranasal visualization. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children is also performed today; however, challenges such as small nasal anatomy and maintenance of the intranasal osteomy postoperatively in a child are significant issues.