Background/aims-Endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy (ELDCR) has many potential advantages over conventional external DCR. Although the short term results of this technique have been reported, little is yet known of the long term results, and the occurrence of late rhinostomy failure. The aim of this study was to examine the results at 3 and 12 months following ELDCR. Method-The notes of all consecutiveELDCRs performed between November 1993 and May 1995 were retrieved. Demographic information, details of surgery, and the postoperative results were noted. Results-ELDCR procedures which did not undergo lacrimal stenting showed a short term success rate of 67% at 3 months, and a further failure rate of 9% at 12 months. ELDCRs which did undergo lacrimal stenting showed a short term success rate of 82% at 3 months, and a further failure rate of 21% at 12 months. Lacrimal intubation increased the long term success rate by 8%. The success rate was lower in the presence of local risk factors for nasal mucosal scarring. Conclusions-ELDCR requires some adjunctive treatment to improve maintenance of the nasal mucosal ostia if it is to compete successfully with external DCR on grounds other than cosmesis and patient convenience.