title: Inferior flap anastomosis in external dacryocystorhinostomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the inferior flap design as a modification in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the effectiveness on surgical outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study enrolled 33 consecutive patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent external DCR with this modified flap design from February 2007 to April 2008. Success was defined as amelioration of epiphora and anatomic patency. Operative outcomes and success of the procedure were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 45 years (range, 12-65 years). The mean follow-up time was 15.6 months (range, 10-23 months). None of the patients had signs or symptoms of epiphora at the end of the follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The inferior flap design simplifies the surgical procedure and produces success rates comparable with those found in conventional DCR. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey. erdogangurkan@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Gürkan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Erdoğan
authors.forename: Cihan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Unlü
authors.forename: Ece Turan
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Vural
authors.forename: Aslan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aykut
authors.forename: Hüseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bayramlar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002648:Child; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome