Dacryocystorhinostomy

What is a dacryocystorhinostomy?

Dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgery that involves the creation of a new tear drainage duct with the patient’s own tissue.

In which cases is it done?

Dacryocystorhinostomy is performed in patients with obstruction of the lacrimal duct below the lacrimal sac.

Previous exams

A complete ophthalmological examination should be carried out, including an examination of the eyelid and periocular area. On the other hand, the surgeon must study the irrigation of the lacrimal duct by using a saline solution, which is injected under pressure into the lacrimal duct in order to assess in which area the obstruction is located.

Sometimes it is necessary to perform a dacryoscinography, a functional test of the lacrimal ducts.

During the intervention

During the procedure, silicone tubes are temporarily placed in the lacrimal duct, which serve as a mold for the new lacrimal duct at the end of the postoperative period.

Postoperative

The first 24 postoperative hours, the patient must keep the eye occluded. After this time it is recommended that the patient come to the consultation for a review.

In addition, the patient must follow an oral and topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment.

After two weeks, the patient is visited again to evaluate and control the correct healing and permeability of the lacrimal duct. The final results can be seen a month and a half after surgery.