The tear duct is a small passage that drains tears from the eyes into the nose. When the tear duct becomes blocked, it can cause excessive tearing, eye irritation and recurrent eye infections. Endoscopic DCR, or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a blocked tear duct.
During an endoscopic DCR, a small camera called an endoscope is inserted into the nasal cavity to visualize the area where the tear duct opens into the nose. The surgeon then creates a new pathway by removing a small area of bone and tissue to connect the tear duct directly to the nasal cavity. This allows tears to bypass the blockage and flow normally into the nose, relieving the symptoms.
The advantages of endoscopic DCR include minimal scarring, shorter recovery time and reduced post-operative discomfort. It is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation on an outpatient basis, meaning you can typically go home the same day.
Our expert team including Dr. Landon Massoth (rhinologist) and Dr. Shannon Cox (oculoplastic surgery – The Eye Institute) specialize in tear duct surgery and endoscopic DCR. They will evaluate your condition, assess the severity of your symptoms and determine if endoscopic orbital decompression is the appropriate treatment for you.
Call Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
(918) 492-3636