Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with endoscopic guidance: our experience

Introduction: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with endoscopic guidanc e is one of the therapeutic answers for low obstructions of the lacrimal sy stem and is of renewed interest thanks to modern optical and surgical endos copic means. Material and method: Nine DCRs were performed on patients aged from 27 to 8 6 years, with a dual ENT-Ophthalmologist team, using transillumination of t he lacrimal sac and the fitting of a two-canal probe for 3 months. Results : Only the first case operated was a failure. The average success f or lacrimal irrigation was 89 % with a follow up of 3 to 15 months (average 8 months). In one case owing to a dacryolith, it was extracted with the en donasal approach. Conclusion: Peroperative transillumination of the lacrimal sac is the best guide to performing the stomy. The two-canal probe kept for 3 months in the neo-ostium perhaps ensures correct mucous healing. The technique is safe, efficient and not very traumatic: it should be a technique of first intenti on, capable of replacing the cutaneous approach.