Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): Surgical Treatment for Blocked Tear Ducts

Dacryocystorhinostomy

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure used to treat a blocked tear duct

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure used to treat a blocked tear duct. A blocked tear duct can cause excessive tearing, recurrent eye infections, and even vision problems if left untreated. DCR involves creating a new pathway for tears to drain from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity.

During the DCR procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the side of the nose near the tear sac. They then locate the lacrimal sac, which is a small pouch that collects tears, and create an opening or hole in it. Next, the surgeon also creates a small window in the bone between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. By doing this, tears can directly flow from the sac into the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked tear duct.

There are two main types of DCR procedures: external and endoscopic. In the external approach, a small incision is made on the skin near the tear sac, and the surgeon uses specialized tools to perform the surgery. In the endoscopic approach, a tiny camera called an endoscope is inserted through the nostril to visualize the tear duct and surrounding structures. The surgeon then uses small instruments to create the new tear drainage pathway.

After the surgery, a temporary stent or tube may be placed to keep the new pathway open temporarily. This stent is usually removed a few weeks later in a follow-up visit. Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

DCR is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but the area being operated on is numbed. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used if the patient prefers to be asleep during the procedure.

Overall, DCR is considered a safe and effective surgical option for treating blocked tear ducts. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia-related issues. It is important to discuss the procedure thoroughly with your surgeon and address any concerns or questions you may have.

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