Aims To examine the surgical outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with eight-flap anastomosis (8-flap ex-DCR).

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for 55 sides of 51 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent 8-flap ex-DCR. The patients were followed up postoperatively at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and evaluations were continued with 12-week follow-ups until postoperative 12 months. Anatomical success was defined as no reflux on lacrimal irrigation at 12 months. Functional success was defined as no epiphora at postoperative 12 months. The presence of epistaxis and postoperative surgical site infections were checked in all patients. The presence of granulation tissue around the ostium, under nasal endoscopy, was also examined on 14 sides of 14 patients, at each visit.

Results Anatomical success was demonstrated on all sides, and functional success was obtained from 54 sides (98.2%) of 50 patients. One patient experienced postoperative intermittent epiphora on one side. The patients did not show granulation tissue, epistaxis or surgical site infection throughout the observation period.

Conclusions The 8-flap ex-DCR showed complete anatomical success and favourable functional success with no postoperative complications.