European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Chronic Dacryocystitis is an inflammatory condition of the lacrimal sac most commonly
associated with partial or complete obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. It usually presents with watering
and sometimes purulent discharge, but some may progress and cause severe ocular and extra ocular
complications.
Objective: To compare the study subjects and the outcomes between the External vs. Endoscopic
Dacryocystorhinostomy.
Methodology: The present study was a retrospective, observational, nonrandomized, comparative
clinical study done by Reviewed medical records of 48 patients who underwent DCR at Kodagu Institute
of Medical Sciences from January 2018 to December 2021. Data regarding the intra-operative course,
surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Anatomical success was defined as
patency confirmed by intranasal endoscopic inspection of the ostium and successful lacrimal sac
syringing whereas functional success was defined as complete resolution of epiphora assessed and
documented post-operatively.
Results: Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common cause of epiphora in
adults, and it is 4-5 times more common in females. Of the 48 cases, 47 were primary cases and 1 case
was a revision External DCR and only in this patient stent was placed and in all other cases in both
Endoscopic and External DCR we have not used stents. Both External and Endonasal DCR had
comparable outcomes. In the Endonasal DCR group it was seen that out of the 34 patients operated, 2
patients had continued epiphora. Thus the success rate stands at 94%. It was noted that both patients who
continued to have epiphora after Endonasal DCR had lot of pus in the nasolacrimal apparatus with thick
sac wall noted intraoperatively.