Lacrimal Sac Surgery

Lacrimal Sac Surgery (DCR Surgery)

Tear is necessary to prevent dryness of the eye surface and to sustain its normal functioning. It is produced by the glands located under the eyelids. Lacrimal sacs and tear ducts deliver the secreted tear to the nasal cavity. Obstruction of these channels for various reasons leads to the problem of watering of the eye called if epiphora.

In patients with recurrent lacrimal sac inflammation or the tear spilling out of the eye despite of medical treatment, and eye ducts cannot open, causing deficient transfer of secreted tear to the nasal cavity, lacrimal sac is surgically connected to the nasal cavity. DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) operations are performed in patients whose lacrimal sac and/or lacrimal duct is blocked for various reasons.

The conventional surgical technique requires an external incision. During the operation, lacrimal sac is found and the inner wall of the sac is connected to the nose.

In the endoscopic surgery technique, it is easier to overcome the lacrimal bone through the nose without the need for an external skin incision, and with this technique, the complication rate in endoscopic surgery is greatly reduced and the surgical time is significantly shortened. In endoscopic surgery, a silicone tube is inserted into the canal after opening the occluded duct. This tube is removed 3 to 6 months after recovery without requiring anesthesia.
Advantages of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy compared to the conventional surgical method;

• Lacrimal sac functions are not affected as much.
• No skin incision or scarring occurs.
• The operation time is short compared to the classical surgical method.
• Recovery period and return to normal life is shorter

Diagnosis and treatment of tear duct diseases should be done by ophthalmologists and surgical decision should again be made by ophthalmologists.