The Oculoplastics Centre | Adult and Paediatric Lid, Lacrimal and Orbit Surgery Sydney

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Endoscopic DCR 

Tearing is most commonly due to a blockage or narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct. The nasolacrimal duct tends to narrow with age, but this process is probably exacerbated by persistent infections and can occur earlier in life (see Tearing in Children). A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is performed to cure tearing caused by nasolacrimal duct narrowing or obstruction.

During DCR surgery a new connection between the lacrimal sac ("tear sac") to the inside of the nose is made. This by-passes the narrowed or obstructed duct along which the tears normally pass from the tear sac into the nose. A fine silicon stent (tube) is often placed during the surgery to maintain the opening in the tear system during the healing process. Tube removal is 2 - 4 weeks postoperatively in the rooms and is painless.

With advances in technology and instrumentation endoscopic DCR has largely replaced the external (needing a skin incision) techniques for DCR.

Endoscopic DCR surgery is a day surgery procedure often performed under a general anaesthetic.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and are in no way intended as medical or surgical advice. All surgery can result in both minor and major complications, and the risks, postoperative course and final outcome will vary with each patient that undergoes a surgical procedure. If you are thinking about surgery it is important to consult a qualified medical practictioner.

Who is suitable for DCR surgery?

Age is not a barrier to surgery, with A/Prof Wilcsek having performed this procedure on patients ranging from only 3 months of age to late in their nineties.

What does the treatment involve?

During DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) surgery a direct opening is created between the tear sac and the nose, bypassing the blocked nasolacrimal duct. The procedure is either performed via a small skin incision on the sidewall of the nose, an "External DCR", or trans-nasally, an "Endoscopic DCR." Both procedures are routinely performed in a day surgery on an outpatient basis.

Endoscopic DCR is routinely performed under general anaesthesia. The operative time for both techniques is approximately 45 minutes.

At the time of surgery a fine silicone stent is placed and then removed 3 weeks post-op in the rooms. Occasionally this prolapses spontaneously requiring an extra visit to the rooms for early removal.

How will I look immediately after surgery?

After an endoscopic DCR, there will be no external signs of you having had an operation, with no swelling or bruising.

What is the recovery time?

Post-operative pain is minimal usually requiring no more than Paracetamol, with the main inconvenience being the avoidance of exercise, straining or other activities that increase nasal blood flow and thus the risk of bleeding for the first week.

Your nose will feel congested and some patients will have 1-2days of discomfort in the region of the tear sac. A regime of eye drops and nasal sprays are required post-operatively.

What are the risks?

All surgery carries risk, overall the risk is low. A/Prof Wilcsek will fully discuss these risks at the time of your consultation.

How long do the results of the surgery last?

The success rate for endoscopic and external DCR is approximately 95%, however tear drainage is a very complex physiological process and tearing may be the result of a number of separate issues. Therefore careful patient selection is essential.

Patients have follow-up for three months to ensure that the new tear pathway matures well. After this period it is very unlikely for the tearing to recu

Is there anyone who shouldn't have this surgery?

Many patients are on blood thinners such as aspirin. As the nose has a very rich blood supply, blood thinners are best stopped 7-10 days preoperatively. Depending on your general health this is sometimes not possible and Dr Wilcsek would then seek advice from your family physician or cardiologist.