Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy : the outcome of 25 patients

Abstract EN

Objective : To assess the outcome of endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) as a new approach in our center ( Al-Jamhori Teaching Hospital) in treating 25 patients complaining of epiphora and recurrent or chronic dacryocystitis, comparing our results with the reviewed literature.

Patients and Methods : Twenty-five (25) patients, with age range (from 5-55 years), underwent endoscopic DCR in the period from March / 2006- July / 2007 in Al-Jamhori Teaching Hospital, Mosul.

Standard procedure was implemented using the drill and inserting temporary stents.

Patients were followed up for 6-24 (average of 8.8) months to assess the outcome of surgery.

Results : There was improvement in symptoms in 18 patients with disappearance of epiphora with 72 % success rate.

One patient had orbital fat prolapse and 3 patients developed postoperative adhesions.

No major complication, namely severe bleeding, CSF leak or serious orbital injury occurred.

Revision surgery was done on 3 failed cases ; only one patient had clinical improvement.

The total success rate after revision surgeries is 76 %.

Conclusion : We conclude that endoscopic DCR, which is a new experience in Iraq, is a safe technique in treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction with an acceptable success rate that matches many studies.