AIM: To investigate the effects on patients with chronic dacryocystitis treated with two methods: external dacryocystorhinostomy(EDCR)and intranasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(IEDCR)combined with intubation of lacrimal ducts, and to explore the best operation method.

METHODS: Totally 37 cases(37 eyes)were randomly divided into two groups, using EDCR and IEDCR respectively, postoperative follow-up lasted 6～12mo.

RESULTS: The success rate of IEDCR group and EDCR group were 94%(17 eyes)and 90%(20 eyes)respectively. There was no significant difference between EDCR group and IEDCR group(P>0.05). There were Slighter postoperative reaction, no postoperative scar, faster postoperative recovery in IEDCR group than those in EDCR group.

CONCLUSION: EDCR and IEDCR were effective methods. Especially IEDCR is minimal invasive technique and worthy of promotion and application.