Modified external dacryocystorhinostomy with anterior flap anastomosis

Aims: To compare the surgical outcome of modified external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy and to evaluate the symptomatic relief of epiphora by Munk’s score. Materials and Methods: A prospective, interventional, comparative study of sixty patients with chronic dacryocystitis. They were divided into two groups; one group underwent conventional dacryocystorhinostomy whereas another underwent a modified technique of anterior flap anastomosis. Follow up period was eighteen months and were evaluated on the basis of sac syringing and Munk’s score. Statistical analysis was done by chi square test. Results: The mean age of the patients in our study in group 1 was 52.5 ±9.45 SD years (range 40-68 years) and group 2 was 51 ±10.15 SD years(range 38-70years) [Table 1].The female patients were more in both groups. The mean surgical time in group1 was 60.47 min ±5.14SD minutes, and group 2 was 84.66 ±3.99SD minutes.Surgical success was defined on the basis of patency of sac on syringing and improvement in Munk’s score at the end of eighteen months. Conclusion: The modified technique is easier to perform and equally effective alternative method for dacryocystorhinostomy.   Key words: Anterior flap anastomosis, Conventional DCR, Modified external DCR, Munk’s score.