Double Posterior Based Flap Technique in Primary Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy With and Without Using Powered Instrument

To demonstrate the surgical technique and outcomes of double posterior based flap technique in primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with and without use of powered instrument. 28 patients of nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study from September 2012 to February 2015. All underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with double posterior based nasal and lacrimal flap technique. In patients of group A (14 patients), bone removal was done with the help of Smith–Kerrison punch forceps and in patients of group B (14 patients), powered drill has been used for the same. Patients were visited the endoscopic clinic at 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery for post operative evaluation. Of 28 patients, 26(92.85%) were found free of symptoms at the end of 1, 3 and at 6 months. One from each group had recurrence of symptoms. At the end of 12 months of 25 patients, 3(12%) patients were found to have recurrence of symptoms of which 1(8.33%) patients was from group A and 2(15.38%) were from group B and failures were because of granulation tissue and stomal stenosis. Patients assisted with powered drill had more postoperative complications compared to cold instrument. Double posterior based flap technique in primary endoscopic DCR without the assistance of powered drill could be an effective surgical option for the patients of chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction enabling early epithelisation by preventing peristomal granulation tissue resulting in encouraging surgical outcome with least postoperative complication.