A persistent, symptomatic lacrimal duct stenosis is treated by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), with external (EX) or endonasal (EN) access. The basic indication is the same in all cases and either route can be used. The EX route seems better in terms of speed of surgery, learning curve and cost. It is logical to use the external route to treat the disorder when it is associated with a lacrimal sac diverticulum, an irreducible stenosis of the union canal, or a canthopexy. The EN route has been shown to be worth consideration whenever there is a nasal sinus disorder that can be repaired at the same time. Moreover, it is indicated in a rare case of lacrimal abscess that cannot be treated medically, where the risk of scarring would contraindicate standard surgery, or when DCR is recurrent. A series of prospective randomized studies is needed to determine whether the route materially influences the outcome. Until then, it is best to have both methods available for an unbiased case-by-case decision.