Purpose To compare external dacryocystorhinostomy versus canalicular silicone intubation with the use of Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods the study was carried out at the department of Ophthalmology, Menoufia university Hospital, Egypt, between June 2012 to July 2014. Fifty-six patients who were diagnosed with primary acquired NLDO. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: thirty cases underwent external DCR and twenty-six cases underwent silicone intubation with MMC. Results No significant difference was detected in success and failure rates between external DCR (90%) and silicon intubation with MMC (80.7%) at 6 months follow up. Also, both procedures were associated with low rate of intraoperative adverse events, with no postoperative adverse events were detected, however, intubation was relatively safer than DCR. Conclusion Silicon intubation with MMC is as effective and safe as external DCR and should be considered as a minimally invasive procedure in primary acquired NLDO.

Purpose: To compare external dacryocystorhinostomy versus canalicular silicone intubation with the use of Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: the study was carried out at the department of Ophthalmology, Menoufia university Hospital, Egypt, between June 2012 to July 2014. Fifty-six patients who were diagnosed with primary acquired NLDO. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: thirty cases underwent external DCR and twenty-six cases underwent silicone intubation with MMC. Results: No significant difference was detected in success and failure rates between external DCR (90%) and silicon intubation with MMC (80.7%) at 6 months follow up. Also, both procedures were associated with low rate of intraoperative adverse events, with no postoperative adverse events were detected, however, intubation was relatively safer than DCR. Conclusion: Silicon intubation with MMC is as effective and safe as external DCR and should be considered as a minimally invasive procedure in primary acquired NLDO. Keywords: External DCR, canalicular silicone intubation, Mitomycin C.