title: Endocanalicular, high-pressure balloon catheter, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a prospective randomized controlled study to investigate the safety and efficacy of endocanalicular, high-pressure, 5-mm balloon catheter, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in adult patients with acquired complete nasolacrimal obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  General hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-six adult patients with a total of 70 procedures were recruited to undergo endoscopic DCR. They were prospectively, equally randomized into 2 groups: endocanalicular, high-pressure, 5-mm balloon catheter, endoscopic DCR (group I) and conventional endoscopic DCR (group II). Regular follow-up sessions were conducted to document the patient's subjective improvement, judge ostium patency on irrigation, and record any complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups demonstrated a success rate of 91.4%. There was a shorter mean operative time (25.7 minutes) in group I (P < .001). The number of adverse events was significantly higher in group II (P < .05). Group I showed statistically significantly more comfort during surgery under local anesthesia with minimal sedation (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endocanalicular balloon catheter endoscopic DCR shares the advantages and success rate of conventional endoscopic DCR. In addition, the former is simpler, requires less manipulation, consumes a shorter operative time, has a better safety profile, and can be conducted under local anesthesia with minimal sedation.
authors: Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt. sragab@doctors.org.uk
authors: Sameh M
authors: SM
authors: Ragab
authors: Mona S
authors: MS
authors: el-Koddousy
authors: Mohammed
authors: M
authors: Badr