Flap Fixation in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Comparative Study

The usual procedure for nasolacrimal duct obstruction is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Flap-based DCR techniques lead to better surgical outcome provided flaps do not dislocate in the post-operative period. This study was conducted to compare gelfoam with merocel tamponade for fixation of mucosal flaps in endoscopic DCR. Merocel tamponade was used for fixation of flaps in 26 patients. Gelfoam was used in 26 patients, and surgical results were compared. The surgical success rate was greater in merocel tamponade fixation with less complications. Merocel tamponade can be used successfully for mucosal flap fixation in endoscopic DCR for better surgical outcome.