Introduction:

external dacryocystorhinostomy is the most used technique by oculoplastic surgeons to treat patient with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Physicians may make some mistakes in this type of surgery despite great advances in optical technologies, surgical techniques and the use of modern materials for intubation, The main cause of errors is the closure of the osteotomy due to scar tissue or granulation with synechia formation in the nasal cavity. Mitomycin-C is the most studied alkylating antibiotic in the prevention of excessive scarring in the osteotomy area; however, there are some agreements and disagreements among scholars on the efficacy, dosage and time of exposure of this drug. The role of each of these variables in the final outcome of the surgery is controversial.

Objective:

to provide some evidences about the transoperative application of Mitomycin-C in external dacryocystorhinostomy.

Methods:

a review of the updated bibliography available in Spanish and English languages was carried out. Complete texts and abstracts were consulted in the databases: PubMed, Ebsco, Google Scholar and Scielo. Novel articles were also reviewed in prestigious specialized journals.

Conclusions:

must authors agree that this drug appears to improve the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy. Although its application is safe, some variables are still being studied that would improve its efficacy.