reliable technique of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy – a pilot study

Introduction Over last two decades endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy has gained popularity over external dacryocystorhinostomy for post-canalicular obstruction. But the success rate is not very satisfactory. Our objective is to describe a technique where near 100% success can be achieved. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 92 patients over 4 years and 6 months. The technique we describe involves creation of a large ostium, creation and apposition of nasal and lacrimal sac mucosal flaps. All the patients were under regular follow-up for12 months after operation. We also compared our result with other techniques. Results                                        The neo-ostium was well healed and free flow of normal saline was seen in 90 cases (97.83%) post-operatively. In one case there was ostium fibrosis and in another case granulations were seen. Conclusion For the past few decades many approaches have been tried for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. But the long term success rates have not been satisfactory. Our technique of creating large stoma and proper mucosal apposition, when done properly gives near 100% success.