Comparison of the Results of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with and without the Preservation of Nasal Mucosal Flap.

Aims: Conventional endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) typically involves removal of the nasal mucosa during the creation of osteotomy. This technique has been modified by preserving the nasal mucosa by elevating a mucosal flap before performing the osteotomy. This study aims to compare the surgical outcomes and success rates of EDCR with and without the preservation of the nasal mucosal flap.

Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 40 patients who presented with persistentepiphora due to acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, attending the outpatient department (OPD) of the Otorhinolaryngology Department. All patients underwent standard preoperative evaluations, including a detailed history, physical examination, lacrimal sac syringing, canalicular probing, and nasal endoscopy. Additionally, routine investigations for general anesthesia were conducted. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (n = 20), in which a nasal mucosal flap was preserved and repositioned on the bare bone following osteotomy; and Group B (n = 20), in which the mucosal flap was removed, leaving the bone exposed.

Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The baseline characteristics, including medical history, presenting complaints, and preoperative findings, were compared between the two groups. The overall surgical success rate was high and not significantly different between the groups, with 85% success in Group B (no flap) and 95%success in Group A (with flap).

Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in surgical success or complication rates between EDCR performed with or without mucosal flap preservation. The results suggest that both techniques are equally effective.