External dacryocystorhinostomy: do we really need to repair the posterior flap?

Purpose: This study aims to compare a simplified technique of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), where the posterior flap is excised, with the more traditional approach of double flap repair.

Methods: A prospective, comparative, single surgeon, single centre clinical trial was conducted of eighty-three patients who received external DCR, with either anterior and posterior flap anastomosis (Group A), or anterior flap anastomosis and excision of the posterior flap (Group B), in a tertiary referral hospital in Nepal. Patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and epiphora were assigned to one of two groups.