Endoscopic tear duct obstruction repair (Ascorhinostomy or DCR)
The lacrimal glands, located behind the upper eyelid, constantly produce tears, which moisturize the eye and protect it from irritation.
The tears are collected in the eyelids, and through thin tubes they are channeled to the lacrimal sac, which is hidden in the bone of the nose.
From the lacrimal sac, a thin tube drains the tears into the nasal cavity.
Inflammation or surgery and trauma can block the tear drainage system as the eye tears constantly (epiphora), while inflammation with pain, swelling of the eye and purulent discharge are often observed.
Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery has provided an easy solution to the problem.
With the help of endoscopes, the bone covering the lacrimal sac inside the nose is removed and the sac is opened towards the nasal cavity.
The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia, in collaboration with the Ophthalmologist – ophthalmoplastic specialist and usually does not require hospitalization.
Image after endoscopic ascorhinostomy. The thick arrows mark the limits of bone removal. The thin arrow (CC) shows the mouth of the tubules that freely drain the tears into the nasal cavity.
