Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Case Series Study from Mosul City

Background: Dacryocystorhinosty is a technique applied to patients who complain of excessive tearing (epiphora) and demonstrate obstruction of the lacrimal outflow system. Objectives: The present study aims at studying the outcome and complications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy EnDCR. Methods: This case series study was conducted to analyze 70 eyes related to 66 patients with epiphora and recurrent attacks of dacryocystitis who underwent EnDCR for the period from January 2018 to June 2019. Surgeries were done in 2 hospitals in Mosul namely; Al-jumhoory Teaching hospital and Al-Rabee Private hospital. Results: This case series study included 70 eyes of 66 patients (62 unilateral and 4 bilateral cases) complaining from epiphora excessive tearing and/or chronic dacryocystitis. There was 45 females (68.2%) and 21 males (31.8%) with F:M ratio of 2.1:1. The patients , ages ranged between 4-74 years of age with a mean age of 39 ± 18.31. The success rate of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy EnDCR in the present study was 97.15 % depending on clinical improvement of epiphora , endoscopic assessment for patency of the new ostium and passage of tears aided by pressing over the medial canthus. Hemorrhage was the most common complication and there was no serious orbital complication in our study neither during surgery nor in the follow up period. Conclusion: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy EnDCR carries very good success rate with relatively not critical and low complication rate. Moreover, it has the advantage of overlooking unnecessary scar, the ability to operate both sides simultaneously and revising the operation in case of failure of surgery.