External Dacryocystorhinostomy: Local versus General Anesthesia

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction using local anesthesia (LA), in comparison to with general anesthesia (GA) in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Methods: In this prospective study, 149 patients with complete nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction who were candidates for external DCR were randomized in 2 groups: GA; 73 patients, and LA; 76 patients. Intraoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, postoperative complications and patient's satisfaction were recorded. Results: Mean intraoperative bleeding was 50.5±42.6 cc in the LA group and 62.6±59.9 cc in the GA group (P=0.157). In terms of operation time, postoperative complications, and patient’s satisfaction no significant differences were noted between the 2 groups. Our success rate was 100% at the third month follow up visit. Conclusion: LA in DCR is safe, comfortable, and high level of patient acceptance. Intraoperative bleeding is less with LA than GA although it was not statistically significant in our study.