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Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Surgery
If there is a blockage of the nasolacrimal ducts (tear ducts), the eye will be watery and sometimes sticky. Very occasionally, infection can occur resulting in dacryocystitis and a painful swelling on the side of the nose.
In cases of blocked nasolacrimal ducts, DCR surgery is required. This is surgery to make a connection between the tear sac and the inside of the nose to allow tears and secretions to flow out of the tear sac.
A syringing test is done in the clinic to determine if the tear ducts are blocked. If needed, DCR surgery is performed under General Anasesthetic and a small incision made on the side of the nose. The scar is usually small and hidden by glasses if worn. As part of the surgery, plastic tubes are left internally to keep the connections open.
These are usually removed after 4 to 6 weeks. After the surgery, there may be some oozing or bleeding from the nose but this usually stops after a few hours but can last for a few days. It is advisable to keep the skin wound dry and healing usually takes about 10 days when the skin sutures are removed. Hot drinks should be avoided for 24 hours after surgery and it is not advisable to blow the nose for 10 days.
FAQ
DCR surgery is performed to alleviate symptoms and complications associated with a blocked tear duct. Symptoms may include excessive tearing, recurrent eye infections, mucus discharge, and swelling around the tear duct area. DCR surgery can help restore normal tear drainage and improve overall eye health.
Recovery from DCR surgery can vary from person to person. After the surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the surgical site. Most people can resume normal activities within a week or two. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions and may prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection.
In certain cases, DCR surgery can be performed on both eyes simultaneously, especially if both tear ducts are blocked. However, the decision to perform simultaneous surgery depends on various factors, including the severity of the blockage and the overall health of the patient. Your surgeon will assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate approach.
