title: Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study are to report the results of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) and the role of silicon intubation in EnDCR in Indian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a prospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  290 patients underwent EnDCR between January 2002 and July 2007 - 240 cases without silicon intubation and 50 cases with silicon intubation. Patients were followed up for an average of 18.6 months in first group and 5.2 months in second group. Outcome was evaluated subjectively and objectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In EnDCR without silicon intubation, the procedure was successful in 93.3% of cases. In EnDCR with silicon intubation, the procedure was successful in 96% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EnDCR is a safe procedure with good success rate and has potential advantages in chronic dacryocystitis cases. The use of silicon intubation in nasolacrimal pathway helps in maintaining the patency of rhinostomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery, K.L.E.'s University, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, India.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Harugop
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Mudhol
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Rekha
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maheswaran
keywords: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy; Silicon intubation