Results of endoscopic endonasal dacrocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVES To analyse the results of Endonasal Endoscopic Dacrocystorhinostomy regarding complications and success rate. METHODS The prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Departments of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Islamic International Medical College Teaching Hospital, Rawalpindi, from August 2008 to July 2012. Patients presenting with epiphora and diagnosed with chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study. Endonasal Endoscopic Dacrocystorhinostomy was performed under general anaesthesia. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months after the removal of dacrocystorhinostomy tube. Complications during and after the procedure were recorded. RESULTS Of the 31 patients in the study, 27 (87%) were females and 4 (13%) were males with an overall mean age of 45.7 +/- 13.4 years (range: 21-70). The duration of symptoms ranged between 6 months and 13 years (Mean: 4.1 +/- 3.2). Average duration of endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy was 40 +/- 17.5 minutes (range: 25-70). The tube was removed 6 months after operation in 27 (87%) patients and after 3 months in 4 (13%). Complications encountered were peroperative haemorrhage in 4 (13%), ecchymosis in 2 (6%), nasal adhesions in 3 (9.6%), granulations at osteotomy site in 1 (3.2%), retrograde tube displacement in 3 (9.6%) and symblepheron in 1 (3.2%) patient. Of the total, 26 (84%) patients were symptom-free 6 months after the removal of the tube. Two (6.4%) patients underwent revision surgery and were symptom-free 6 months after the removal of the tube. Overall success rate of the procedure was 28 (90%). CONCLUSIONS Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy is an effective procedure with high success rate and minimal complications.