Abstract
Objective: to determine the effectiveness of wound closure in external dacryocystorhinostomy with use of small skin incision in terms of safety, postoperative skin scar, and patient comfort.
Study design: Prospective, interventional case Series
Material and Methods: The study was carried out at Department of Ophthalmology, Govt Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from July 2011 to Jan 2013. We received 100 cases from outdoor department for management and were admitted for external dacryocystorhinostomy. Data was collected on special proforma. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for age, gender and success of external DCR and causes of failure.
Results: The study population comprised of 100 cases. Females were in majority (65%). old patients than 40 years were common. Mean age was 60+/- 11years. It is cosmetically better (97%) compared to large skin incision and is satisfactory to patient as well (95%).the success of external dacryocystorhinostomy was (95%).
Conclusion: Closure of external dacryocystorhinostomy skin wound closure using 8-10 mm incision Size is an effective, quick and less traumatic technique. There is less scar formation, bleeding and soft tissue damage. It is cosmetically better compared to large skin incision and is satisfactory to patient as well (95%). There is no effect on failure rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy as well compare to conventional large incision. It is slightly difficult technique as exposure of operating field is small and learning curve of this technique is longer.

Key words: Skin incision, scar, external dacryocystorhinostomy.