Outcomes of External Dacryocystorhinostomy

To evaluate the outocmes and complications of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in the ophthalmic centers of Yazd Medical Sciences University, Yazd, Iran. The outcomes of external DCR (EX-DCR) operation on 187 patients were evaluated. Patients were selected consecutively. Overall success rate was 90.4% (CI 95%; 86.3 - 94.5%). Success rate was 90.9% in females and 89.1% in males (P= 0.543). Regarding DCR method, success rate was 96.3% with silastic intubation and 88% without it (P= 0.08). The more frequent and important complications of DCR were failure of treatment and recurrence of epiphora and purulent discharge (9.6%), unusual scar (8.6%), and infection (5.3%). No major complications occurred during operation. External DCR is a relatively easy technique with a success rate of more than 90% with few complications. The procedure can be done in most ophthalmic centers.