Understanding dacryocystorhinostomy

A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is surgery to create a new tear duct between your eye and nose. You may need this surgery if your own tear duct has become blocked. When this duct becomes blocked, tears can't drain correctly from the eye to the nose. As a result, you may have a lot of tearing, discharge, and sometimes recurrent eye infections.

How to say it

DA-kree-oh-SIHS-toh-ri-NAHS-tuh-mee

How tears drain from your eyes

Your eyelids have 2 small openings that drain tears from your eyes. When you blink, tears are pushed into these openings. Then the tears go through a small tube to the lacrimal sac. This sac leads into a tube called a tear duct (the nasolacrimal duct). This duct leads into your nose.

Front view of eye showing tear glands and tear ducts.

Why a dacryocystorhinostomy is done

Sometimes a tear duct can get blocked. This can cause the duct to get infected. It can swell and cause pain, mucus, and crusts around the eye. It also causes excess tearing from the eyes. DCR is done to relieve these symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest you have DCR if other treatments have not worked. These include warm compresses, massage, and antibiotics.

How dacryocystorhinostomy is done

Your surgery will most likely be done by a healthcare provider trained in ophthalmic plastic surgery. The surgery can be done in several ways. The provider will make a small cut (incision) below or near your eyelid. The cut is done under your eye and next to your nose. The provider will make a small hole in the bone in this area. This makes a new opening between the lacrimal sac and your nose. In some cases, a small tube (stent) may be put into the opening. It helps keep it open.

Risks of a dacryocystorhinostomy

All procedures have risks. The risks of this procedure include:

  • Infection

  • Too much bleeding

  • Movement of the small tube (stent) put in the duct

  • Tissue in the nose that grows together

  • A large scar on the face

  • Sinusitis

  • No change in symptoms

  • Need for more surgery.

Your risks may differ depending on your age, your general health, and the cause of your blocked duct. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you.