A comparative study of external dacryocystorhinostomy and endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Introduction: Epiphora is an imperfect drainage of tears through the lacrimal passage. This is an annoying symptom, embarrassing both socially and functionally. The most common cause being chronic Dacryocystitis. The two widely accepted treatments are external and endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Objective: To compare the primary success rate of external DCR and endonasal endoscopic DCR. Methods: In a prospective randomized controlled study, 50 cases of lower lacrimal passage obstruction were divided into two groups of 25 each. These two groups were surgically treated as Group I-underwent External DCR and Group II –underwent endonasal endoscopic DCR after investigating and evaluation as per the predesigned proforma. Results: 50 cases (7 males, 43 females) of lower nasolacrimal passage obstruction admitted in Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi, were operated, 25 cases underwent external DCR and 25 cases underwent Endonasal Endoscopic DCR. The mean age of the patients was 41.98 years. The success was defined by anatomical patency by sac syringing. At the end of follow up of 3 months, the success rate in group I was 88% (23 cases) and in group II was 76% (19 cases). The average surgical duration required was 59.4 minutes in Group I and 41.8 minutes in group II. Conclusion: Both the procedures represent good alternative for the treatment of lower lacrimal passage obstruction.