European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) causes inflammation of the lacrimal sac
known as dacryocystitis.There are various methods of performing dacryocystorhinostomy for the
treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction but endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is becoming
more popular, compared with conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy. Present study is
planned to evaluate the improvement in symptoms and quality of life of patients after endoscopic
endonasal DCR and its comparison with external DCR.
Materials and Methods: The presentstudy was conducted 60 cases that were diagnosed as
nasolacrimal duct obstruction or chronic dacryocystitis.The study population was divided in
three groups i.e., group I for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with silicon stent,
group II for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without silicon stent and group III for
conventional (external) DCR.During each postoperative visit the patients were asked common
ocular symptoms of NLDO.
Results: 51 cases (85%) were females, and 9 cases (15%) were males. The male to female being
1: 4.45. Though the number of female patients was significantly greater than males (p<0.01) they
were evenly distributed in two groups. Primary EN-DCR is a highly successful surgical procedure
with an over all success rate of 92.5%, and external DCR has success rate of (90%) which is not
significant.
Conclusion: Successful primary EN-DCR seems to have a significant positive impacton the patients'
symptoms and QoL.