Endonasal nasolacrimal duct surgery: a comparative study of two techniques

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is performed in patients with saccal or postsaccal lacrimal duct obstruction. Focusing on the endonasal approach, we compared success rates, clinical outcome, complications and patient satisfaction of endoscopic vs. non-endoscopic techniques in endonasal DCR. We analyzed the results of 173 patients who underwent an endonasal DCR either utilizing a non-endoscopic (Group I) or an endoscopic technique (Group II) between 2006 and 2011. Irrigation tests followed the first day and at least 3 months after surgery. Postoperative patients’ satisfaction and the occurrence of symptoms were documented and evaluated in a follow-up questionnaire. The minor complication rates of both endonasal DCR techniques were similarly low (10 %) without severe adverse events. The use of the endoscope prolonged the operating time significantly (28 ± 9 min Group I vs. 34 ± 14 min Group II, p = 0.003). The success rate was 90.2 % in Group II compared to only 57.9 % in Group I (p < 0.000). Further, we determined the absence of reflux during the irrigation test 1 day after surgery as a significant predictor for the later outcome (R = 1.598, p = 0.005). The follow-up questionnaire revealed a significant improvement in subjectively perceived symptoms by the surgical intervention for both endonasal techniques (p < 0.000). The endoscopically assisted DCR is a safe and successful endonasal technique for patients with saccal or postsaccal lacrimal duct obstructions. The use of the endoscope led to significant higher success rates compared to non-endoscopic techniques in our collective.