[Review of the basic methods of surgical treatment of lacrimal duct stenosis].

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common condition in patients who visit otolaryngologists and ophtalmologists. The patients complain of epiphora and blurred vision. Reconstruction of lacrimal drainage provides great improvement in a patient's quality of life. On the base of the world literature and the own experience, several surgical techniques of the lacrimal system are presented and analyzed regarding indications and results: dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy (CanDCR), con-junctivodacryocystorhinostomy (ConDCR) and intubation. External DCR usually involves extensive removal of bone at the lacrimal fossa and hence risks disruption of the lacrimal pump mechanism. The development of endonasal microsurgery (endoscope, microscope) have awakened interest in an internal DCR in treatment nasolacrimal obstruction. Endonasal microscopic dacryocystorhinostomy become an important alternative to the classical external DCR. This method preserves intact the normal function of the lacrimal pump, yields cosmetic excellent results and allows at the same time management of the concomitant sino-nasal pathology.