WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Shahir Khalaf Al-Hussein*, Duaa Ismael I. Al-Ahmed and Ghassan Dawood Taha

ABSTRACT

Background: Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to bypass the nasolacrimal duct. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the outcome of endoscopic transnasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in our center (Al-Jumhory Teaching Hospital) in treating 63 patients complaining of epiphora and recurrent or chronic dacryocystitis, comparing our results with the reviewed literature. Patients and Methods: sixty three (63) patients, with age range (from 5-55 years), underwent endoscopic DCR in the period from March/2008- July/2009 in Ophthalmology Unit in Al-Jumhory Teaching Hospital/ Mosul/ Iraq. Standard procedure was implemented using the drill and inserting temporary' stents. Patients were followed up for 6-13(average of 9.5) months to assess the outcome of surgery. Results: There was improvement in symptoms in 45 patients with disappearance of epiphora with 72% success rate. two patients had orbital fat prolapse and 11 patients developed postoperative adhesions. No major complication, as severe bleeding, CSF leak or serious orbital injury occurred. Revision surgery was done on 10 failed cases, only 3 patients had clinical improvement. The total success rate after revision surgeries is 76%. Conclusion: We conclude that endoscopic DCR is a safe technique in treating nasolacrimal duct obstruction with an acceptable success rate that matches many studies.