Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure that creates a new drainage path for tears between your eyes and nose. If your tear duct becomes blocked, surgery may be required. The surgery can be done externally through a skin incision or endoscopically through the nose without leaving an incision on the skin. Both approaches are equally effective.

Why do I need a DCR surgery?

The surgery is done to relieve the symptoms of a blocked tear duct. Some of the symptoms include crusting around the eye, inflammation around the eye or excessive watering from the eye.

In case the duct is infected, common symptoms include eye irritation, mucous discharge from the eye and even tenderness and swelling around the eye.

What will happen during my DCR surgery?

Pre-operatively, your doctor may ask you to conduct tests like a CT scan or an MRI scan that give them a better idea of your anatomy. 

Before your surgery begins, the anaesthetic team will administer general anaesthesia and sedate you. 

A small incision is made below or near your eyelid. Incisions are also made in the space below your eye and beside your nose. The incisions allow the surgeon to expose the underlying tissue. Next, a small hole is made in the bone beneath, creating a new passage between the lacrimal sac and your nose. A stint is placed in the hole, keeping the newly made passage open.

Recovering from your DCR surgery

Packing material may be placed in your nose to reduce the chance of bleeding. You may be allowed to go home the same day of the surgery or the next day. This will be determined after the doctor judges your condition.

What are the risks of a DCR surgery?

Just like with any other procedure, there are certain risks involved. However, with careful monitoring and proper care, the chances of these risks occurring are minimised.

Some of the risks include (but are not limited to) displacement of the stent placed in the lacrimal duct, excessive bleeding, abnormally fused tissue in the nose and infection.