Nasolacrimal duct obstruction results in impaired tear drainage from the eye. When symptoms persist and less invasive measures are not sufficient, a surgical procedure is indicated to establish a new drainage route between the lacrimal system and the nasal cavity.
Treatment Approach
The established surgical intervention is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) — a procedure that creates a new opening between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. This can be carried out through an external skin incision with an osteotomy, or alternatively via an internal laser-assisted technique introduced through the canaliculus. Both approaches involve stent placement as part of the procedure.
Full procedural details, patient selection criteria, and the complete step-by-step protocol are available in the structured regimen below.