Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) operation with physiodispenser in nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Methods: Two hundred and twelve eyes from 150 patients with chronic dacryocystitis who had undergone external DCR operation with Kerrison punch were included in Group 1. Two hundred and fourteen eyes from 150 patients with chronic dacryocystitis who had undergone external DCR operation with physiodispenser were included in Group 2.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and sex (p > .05). Excessive bleeding requiring cauterization was observed in 41 (19%) patients in Group 1 and 8 (3%) patients in Group 2 (p < .05) during surgery. The mean operation duration was 32.36 ± 5.46 (26-42) minutes in the first group and 20.41 ± 4.98 (15-28) minutes in the second group (p < .05). Functional success rate at the end of the second postoperative year was 90.2% in the first group and 92.4% in the second (p > .05). Anatomical success rate at the end of second postoperative year was 95.8% in the first group and 98.1% in the second (p > .05).

Conclusion: DCR operation with physiodispenser shortens the operation duration, reduces excessive bleeding, and has high functional and anatomical success rates.

Keywords: Bleeding; dacryocystorhinostomy; operation duration; physiodispenser.