Publication:

Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Misrata central hospital, Libya

Background Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure performed for the relief of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). This procedure involves the creation of ostium at the lacrimal bone to form a shunt in the nasolacrimal pathway. It can be performed externally or endoscopically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the success rates and complications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Misurata Central Hospital.

Methods Prospective study includes 30 patients admitted to the ENT-Department, Misrata Central Hospital over a period of one year, starting from April 2016 to March 2017. They underwent endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Results Thirty patients were included in the study. Their age ranged from 11-60 years, with mean age of 33 years. Most of the patients were in the age range of 31 to 50 years. There were 24 (80%) females and 6 (20%) males. The most common complaint of patients before surgery was epiphora. There was more obstruction on left side -21 (70%) than on the right side-9 (30%). Bilateral involvement was not seen. Three patients (10%) were required septoplasty during the endoscopic DCR procedure. Twenty four out of thirty (80%) patients had complete resolution. There were no any significant major complications observed in any patient in our study.

Conclusions Endoscopic DCR is safe, successful procedure for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and has several advantages over conventional external approach.