The success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy with and without suturing the posterior mucosal flaps

Abstract

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without suturing the posterior mucosal flaps. Material and methods: One hundred patients who underwent external DCR surgery were included in this study. They were divided into group A and group B, with 50 patients in each group. In group A, patients who underwent an external DCR with only anterior flaps sutured and removal of posterior flaps were included. In group B, patients who underwent an external DCR with both anterior and posterior flaps sutured were included. All patients came for a follow-up visit at one week, one month, three months, and at six months. The success rate was evaluated by symptomatic relief from epiphora and patency on syringing performed at the follow-up six months after DCR. To evaluate differences in both groups, a Chi-square test was used. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The success rate was 98% in group A, and 84% in group B. Our results show the success rate was higher in group A where anterior flaps were sutured, and posterior flaps were excised. The difference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) Conclusions: This study shows that DCR surgery with anterior flaps anastomosis and excision of posterior flaps has a higher success rate than anterior and posterior flaps anastomosis.