AIM: To analyze the clinical effect of endoscopic lacrimal drill combined with intubation for the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis.

METHODS: From May 2008 to May 2010, 107 patients with chronic dacryocystitis were selected as objects in our hospital. They were randomly divided into observation group and control group. Observation group(endoscopic lacrimal drill combined with intubation group, n=54)and control group(external-route lacrimal sac and nasal cavity anastomosis group, n=53). Their clinical effects were compared after the treatment.

RESULTS: In observation group, the cure rate was 74.1%, it was not significant when compared with the control group(P>0.05); the complication rate was 38.9%, the recurrence rate was 5.6% for 1 year after the surgery, it was significantly lower than the control group, there was a sharp distinction(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The endoscopic lacrimal drill combined with intubation for the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis is effective, safe as well as minimal invasion. It was suitable for clinic.