Dacryocysthorhinostomy

Dacryocysthorhinostomy is a procedure indicated mainly in case of obstruction of the lacrimal-nasal duct which has caused an infection of the lacrimal sac or dacryocystitis or an annoying chronic tearing.

The procedure involves opening a direct path between the tear sac and the nasal cavity to evacuate the tears directly into the nose. For this, a piece of bone is removed between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. The tear sac is sewn directly to the inner wall of the nose.

The procedure can be done externally under local anesthesia in the majority of cases (over 90%) with a small 1cm scar on the base of the nose which will disappear after a few weeks.

This procedure can also be done endonasally (through the inside of the nose). It is performed under general anesthesia and the advantage is the absence of scars.

A silicone probe is placed through the two canaliculi which will be removed after a few months.

In the majority of cases, the postoperative period is not very painful. There may be bleeding from the nostril, which rarely requires wicking.

Local care is reduced to the instillation of eye drops, sometimes to the placement of a local dressing. Professional activity, the use of dangerous machines or instruments, driving are not recommended for ten days.

The success rate is around 94% of cases.

Bleeding from the nostril (epistaxis) may in rare cases, if it is severe, justify a wicking.

Local infectious complications are infrequent and generally unsustainable, but may require treatment with antibiotics.

The passage of air under the skin can create a sensation of subcutaneous bubbles (emphysema). Do not blow your nose during the immediate postoperative period.

Failure of the operation can lead to a second surgery in about 6% of cases