Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is more cost-effective than external dacryocystorhinostomy, despite having a lower success rate and greater usage of resources, as the endoscopic procedure generates more income. This is mainly due to the higher number of cases per session and the higher rates of local anaesthesia and day case operations possible.

An accurate assessment of the site and degree of obstruction is important to ensure the correct management is undertaken. Medical treatment with nasal steroid spray may be effective but the majority of obstructed cases will require surgical intervention in the form of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). There is increasing evidence that powered endoscopic DCR has outcomes comparable with the 'gold standard' procedure of external DCR.

No abstract