Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: The outcome of 25 patients.

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.