Conventional dacryocystorhinostomy versus endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy-a comparative study

The objective of present study was to compare the results of endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy. It was a prospective non-randomized study. Forty consecutive patients having complaints of watering with complete naso lacrimal duct obstruction were selected for the study. Dacryocystography was done in all the cases. Selection of type of operation was left to the patient's choice. All patients had preoperative counseling and both the procedures were explained in detail with their advantages and disadvantages. Twenty patients underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and twenty had external dacryocystorhinostomy. Silicon intubation was done in all cases of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for three months after surgery. The final follow-up was done at 12 months after surgery. The patency of lacrimal passage was confirmed by syringing and patients were questioned about their symptoms. There was no significant difference in the results of both surgeries. The complication rate in both groups was almost equal. Thus we came to the conclusion that these two different dacryocystorhinostomy techniques are acceptable alternatives.