If you’re experiencing a watery, sticky eye, you may have a blocked tear duct. One of the treatments for a blocked tear duct is a surgical procedure called endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Discover why you might need an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, how to prepare for the surgery, and how it’s performed with The London Clinic Eye Centre.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgery
Also known as: DCR, endonasal DCR
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What is it for?
Treating blocked tear ducts to improve symptoms like watery, sticky eyes
What is endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy?
Why might I need an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy?
Your eyelids have a small opening that drains tears away from your eyes into the tear drainage tubes. These tubes run from the inner corner of the eye into the tear sac and then down into the nose.
If your tear drainage tubes become blocked, you may have symptoms such as excessive eye watering or crusting around your eye. If the duct becomes infected, you might also experience the following:
- swelling and tenderness around your eye
- eye irritation
- mucous discharge
Not everyone who has a blocked tear duct needs a dacryocystorhinostomy. For children, a doctor may first recommend less invasive treatments such as warm compresses, massage and antibiotics for an infection. In the case of an adult with severe symptoms, however, an eye specialist may recommend a dacryocystorhinostomy.
Possible risks of dacryocystorhinostomy
All surgical procedures have risks, though severe complications are relatively uncommon. These include the risk of having a reaction to the anaesthesia used, going into shock, blood clots, and haemorrhage.
As well as these, there are some specific risks associated with a dacryocystorhinostomy, including:
- Infection
- A displaced stent in the duct
- Abnormally fused tissue in the nose
- Excessive bleeding
It’s also possible that the dacryocystorhinostomy may not be effective in unblocking your tear duct.
Your surgeon will discuss possible risks with you before your procedure.
What to expect during and after dacryocystorhinostomy
Step 1 Preparing for Dacryocystorhinostomy
In preparation for surgery, it’s recommended to quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and arrange for a trusted friend or family member to take you to and from the hospital. Your surgeon may ask you to temporarily stop certain medications before surgery, which they will specify. Additionally, to better understand your anatomy, your surgeon may request CT or MRI imaging of your nasal passages before the procedure.
Step 2 During the procedure
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and is performed under either general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. During surgery, the surgeon uses an endoscope to create an opening in the bone over the lacrimal sac, establishing a new passageway between the lacrimal sac and your nose. A small tube, or stent, is placed in this opening to keep it open and remains for two to 12 weeks, depending on your recovery. Occasionally, a nasal pack is placed inside the nose at the end of surgery to prevent bleeding.
Step 3 Recovery and aftercare
After surgery, you’ll stay on the ward for a couple of hours before going home, or overnight if needed. If a nasal pack was used, there may be slight bleeding when it’s removed, and you’ll be advised to rest in bed briefly. Mild soreness is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. For a smooth recovery, avoid blowing your nose for two weeks, don’t rub your eye, and take any prescribed medications. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess healing and remove the stent, but if you experience excessive bleeding, fever, or worsening pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Our experts
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic Eye Centre?
The London Clinic Eye Centre provides the highest standards of eye care. Our team of expert ophthalmologists work in partnership with world leaders and experts from all aspects of medicine, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics with cutting-edge therapies to deliver a best-in-class service to a global audience.
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Our ophthalmologists bring global experience across the full range of eye conditions, supported by advanced imaging and The London Clinic’s world-class facilities.
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From your first appointment to follow-up, our clinicians, nurses and support teams provide coordinated, bespoke care so you always feel confident and supported.
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We tailor your care around your individual needs, staying with you throughout your journey and ensuring you feel listened to and supported.
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We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
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