Comparing the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy with anterior flap versus flap excision in managing chronic dacryocystitis

Background: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is characterized by epiphora and recurrent episodes of acute dacryocystitis. Despite the temporary effect antibiotics in phase, it primarily managed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). There a new modification external DCR that performed without either anterior or posterior flaps. This study aimed to compare outcomes flapless single-flap adult patients with chronic symptomatic dacryocystitis secondary NLDO.
 Methods: In this retrospective, non-randomized, interventional, comparative primary acquired NLDO, we compared surgical complication rates those only flap suturing. We excluded who declined participation soft stops, nasal problems, lid margin abnormalities, malposition laxity, previous lacrimal surgery, fistula, trauma involving drainage system, lack adequate follow-up, severe septal deviation turbinate hypertrophy. Anatomical functional success were determined at last follow-up visit compared. Postoperative complications recorded between groups.
 Results: included 53 male-to-female ratio 16 (30.2%) 37 (69.8%); 25 eyes underwent (group 1) 28 suturing 2). The two groups had comparable demographic characteristics (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, anatomical (92.0% group 1 92.9% 2) (84.0% final (both At one-month postoperative examination, premature tube extrusion was more often reported (12.0%) 2 (7.1%). two-month noted 4.0% 0.0% 2, yet difference failed attain statistical significance (P 0.05).
 Conclusions: found neither method superior terms rate maximum one year after DCR. Flapless simple, effective, reproducible alternative single technique for managing NLDO adults However, further randomized clinical trials larger sample sizes longer periods are recommended before generalization can be justified.