This study evaluated the long-term results of endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia. It assessed the patient satisfaction with the procedure by retrospective review and a questionnaire survey.

Seventy patients were referred for endoscopic DCR to the senior author between 1997 and 2000. A success rate of 92 per cent was achieved at three months and it was possible to perform 85 per cent of cases under local anaesthetic; 91 per cent were discharged on the same day. Long-term follow up by postal survey revealed that the watering eye had improved following surgery in 83 per cent (follow up range = eight to 66 months; mean = 28.6 months). Eighty-eight per cent were satisfied with the tolerability of the procedure under local anaesthesia.

The authors describe changes in technique, which evolved with their experience of the procedure. Endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy can be performed safely and successfully as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia with excellent results and with great satisfaction to the patients.