[Dacryocystorhinostomy without bone perforation (author's transl)]

Present techniques of dacryocystorhinostomy require perforation of the frontal process of the maxillary bone in order to open a passageway between the conjunctival sac and the nasal fossa. This requires a relatively complex operation and leaves an almost horizontal conduit, flow rarely being perfect. A new technique for dacryocystorhinostomy which obviates the necessity for osseous perforation by passing a tube beneath the soft tissues of the face just superficial to the maxillary bone, between the lacus lacrimalis and the nasal atrium. The external diameter of the tube should not exceed 2 mm to that is produced no visible elevation on the surface of the face. The almost vertical position of the tube and the position of its inferior opening in the zone of maximal respiratory flow assures good drainage of tears. The operation can be performed in a few minutes, under local anesthesia, in the surgeon's office.