Results of dacryocystorhinostomy in 96 patients

Between years 1895 and 1995, 112 patients underwent dacryocystorhinostomy in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Tampere University Hospital. A questionnaire considering the recent symptoms of patients was sent to 108 patients. Four of the patients have died. Ninety-six patients returned the questionnaire. Seventy-nine (61 primary operations) lacrimal systems underwent dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) by external approach (Toti) and 25 (23 primary operations) by transnasal approach (West). Mean follow-up time was 5 years and 8 months. In extranasal DCR group 13% (8/61) of patients required a re-operation and of the others 85% (45/53) were satisfied with the result and still chose the same operation. In transnasal surgery group 30% (7/23) of patients required a re-operation and of the others 56% (9/16) were satisfied and still chose the same operation. Twelve extranasal DCR were made due to trauma or congenital deficiency and 67% of them reported relief of their symptoms. In both groups the results were significantly better if silicon tubes were introduced after operation between eye and nose to keep the lacrimal system open.