To describe a new endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy technique and to assess its efficacy.

Prospective, non-randomised, interventional case series.

Patients with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included. A prospective series of 226 consecutive endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomies performed between January 2003 and December 2006 were entered into the study. Patients who had undergone previous lacrimal surgery were excluded. The surgical technique involved the creation of nasal mucosal and large posterior lacrimal flaps at the medial lacrimal sac wall. The two flaps were placed in close apposition. The technique also involved creation of a large bony ostium.

Success was defined as the resolution of symptoms, or unobstructed lacrimal irrigation and endoscopic visualisation of a patent rhinostomy.

A total of 226 consecutive endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy procedures performed between January 2003 and December 2006 were reviewed. The main presentation was with epiphora (95 per cent) and/or mucocele (13 per cent). Septoplasty was performed in 36 per cent of cases at the time of surgery. In 18 per cent of cases, endoscopic sinus surgery was also added to the procedure. The follow-up period ranged from six months to two years. Of the 226 patients, eight were lost to follow up and were thus excluded from the series. The procedure achieved a 92 per cent success rate, in terms of symptom relief and anatomical success.

The described technique of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy had a success rate comparable to that of external dacryocystorhinostomy. The procedure is simple and cost-effective because it does not require sophisticated equipment such as lasers, optical fibres, silicone stents or a microdebrider.