External versus endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study was to compare the success rates between external and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery performed for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Materials and methods Fifty patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were recruited and divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent external DCR and group 2 underwent endoscopic DCR. Results Relief from symptoms and endoscopic visualization of the patent stoma were considered indexes of success: 23 patients in group 1 (92%) and 22 patients in group 2 (90%) fulfilled these criteria after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion Both approaches of pediatric DCR - that is, external and endoscopic - have comparable success rates, although the endoscopic approach has the advantages of avoidance of skin incision, preservation of the pump mechanism, and the ability to address other nasal pathologies at the time of surgery.

Keywords

• External versus endoscopic
• pediatric dacryocystorhinostomy
• nasolacrimal duct obstruction