Dacryoplasty – interventions on the tear ducts

One type of treatment is dacryocystorhinotomy, in which the bone from the lacrimal sac to the nose is removed under general anesthesia. The procedure can either be performed externally, in which case a small scar remains, or internally through the nose. In both cases, the normal anatomy is altered.

Alternatively, there is the newer method of dacryoplasty, whereby a balloon catheter is inserted into the tear duct and slowly inflated to dilate the vessel. This minimally invasive treatment is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The method preserves the normal anatomy. The tear duct is virtually repaired. The patient can usually go back to work the next day.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. It is usually worth starting with a dacryoplasty as the method is minimally invasive.

Advantages

• Dacryoplasty is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia. As a rule, the patient can return to work the very next day.
• Dacryoplasty can be used in places that are not always easy to reach with other procedures (endoscopic, endonasal). This also makes it easier to treat the so-called small tear ducts.
• It also offers an alternative treatment option for nasal problems that affect the tear ducts and make dacryocystorhinostomy surgery more difficult.

Procedure

The obstruction in the tear duct is removed under local anesthesia using a balloon catheter. The treatment takes about an hour.

Aftercare

Dacryoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that an overnight stay in hospital is not necessary. Your ability to work is also not affected by the examination.

After the treatment, you will come back to the clinic for a follow-up check and see your ophthalmologist.