DCR

Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery in Hyderabad

Every eye has a fine drain pipe leading from the eye to the nose, through which tears reach the throat. This pipe is called the nasolacrimal duct. A child may be born with a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct. This type of condition is called congenital dacryostenosis. Water mixed with some sticky substance may come out of the eye which might make it look like the child is crying all the time. This condition is usually observed from a few weeks after birth. Blockage of the tear drainage system may often lead to troublesome watering and discharge all the time as well as an acute infection of the lacrimal sac not only in children but also in people of all ages. This type of blockage can be partial or complete at any site from the lacrimal puncta to the nasolacrimal duct. 

A Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery in Hyderabad can be performed as a treatment method by which a new tear duct is created from the eye to the nose so that tears can drain out through that passage. CARE Hospitals offer comprehensive diagnosis, as well as medical, and surgical treatments for a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms suffered by a patient. With state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with modern technology, our world-renowned multidisciplinary team of medical and surgical specialists take special care to deliver the best possible results using minimally invasive treatment procedures while following international standards and protocols. Get treated for congenital dacryostenosis following proper diagnosis using the latest technology. 

Symptoms of a blocked tear duct

If the tear duct has been blocked due to anatomical anomalies (usually congenital), it may cause many troubles in the patient. Some of the symptoms include:

• Continual tearing up of the eyes

• Sticky discharge from the eyes

• Pain at the tear duct or the surrounding areas.

Causes of a blocked tear duct

In most cases, the reason for a blocked duct is not clearly known. However, there may be some cases where blockage of ducts can be caused by:

• Congenital structural anomalies,

• Chronic nasal and sinus inflammation,

• Obstruction from a tumour,

• Trauma to the nose,

• Conjunctivitis.

An ophthalmologist may perform some tests on the tear ducts to determine the presence, type and location of the obstruction.

What is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?

A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure used to create a new path for tears to drain due to blockage in the original tear ducts owing to structural anomalies. The procedure can be performed externally through a minimal incision on the skin, or endoscopically through the nasal duct which leaves no scar on the skin. Both methods are equally effective and successful.

Why do I need DCR?

The dacryocystorhinostomy surgery in Hyderabad surgery is done to reduce the symptoms associated with a blocked tear duct. These symptoms include excessive tearing up of the eye or crusting around the eye. If the tear ducts are affected, the following symptoms  may be experienced:

• Swelling and tenderness around the eyes,

• Eye irritation,

• Mucous discharge.

Not everyone who has blocked tear ducts may need surgery, the surgery is more commonly done on adults than in children. At first, a less invasive procedure may be recommended which can include warm compresses, massages, and antibiotics for any infection. However, if the symptoms are severe, a DCR surgery may be recommended. Sometimes, an external surgery may be performed, or to avoid an external scar, an internal surgery using a rigid tube which is to be inserted into the nasal cavity to perform the surgery.

What happens in DCR surgery?

During an external DCR surgery, an opening from the lacrimal sac is created to the nasal cavity. A small incision is made on the skin in the area around the eye near the nose to make a passage for tear drainage, in the bone beneath. 

In an endoscopic DCR surgery, a team of sinus and eye surgeons work together to bypass a tear duct by creating a new opening directly from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. While going through the nasal passage using endoscopic vision, the sinus surgeon creates an opening in the bone beneath the lacrimal sac. 

Post-surgery, in both types of surgery, a small tube may be left in place to help keep the new duck open and working.

What happens after DCR surgery?

There is a chance of soreness after the procedure, but over-the-counter medications may help relieve such symptoms. It is also normal to have some bruising post-external surgery. The nose may be filled with some stuffing material to prevent chances of bleeding. In most cases post-surgery, patients may be discharged on the same day of surgery. 

Instructions about nasal cavity rinsing and other medications such as steroids and nasal decongestants may be provided by the doctor. Close follow-up care with the care provider team may be required to check post-surgery recovery and progress. 

What is the success rate of DCR surgery?

The success rate of the dacryocystorhinostomy surgery in Hyderabad surgery mostly depends on the underlying cause of watering. In general, the possibility of curing troublesome discharge and stickiness is near about 95 percent.