THE ADVANTAGES OF ENDOSCOPIC AND EXTERNAL DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF DISTAL LACRIMAL OBSTRUCTION AND PRINCIPLES OF INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT

Abstract

Endoscopic (END-DCR) and external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) are currently considered the gold standard procedures for non-oncological distal lacrimal obstructions (DALO). However, there remains no consensus on which surgical approach is most suitable for individual patients. This article aims to critically review the literature on DALO management and propose a clear, standardized, and reproducible treatment algorithm to assist clinicians in determining the more appropriate method for each patient—EXT-DCR or END-DCR.