How long is DCR surgery?
A DCR is a type of surgery that is used to treat blocked tear ducts in adults. It creates a new passageway between the tear duct sac and the nose, bypassing the blockage and allowing tears to drain normally again. The operation usually takes about 1 hour.
What does dacryocystitis mean?
Dacryocystitis is infection of the tear (lacrimal) sac usually due to a blockage in the tear (nasolacrimal) duct. The tear sac is a small chamber into which tears drain. The usual cause of dacryocystitis is a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, which leads from the tear sac into the nose.
What is regurgitation test?
Pressure over the lacrimal sac may reveal a mucocele. The flow of mucoid material from the puncta will confirm the presence of a nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This is often called the “regurgitation test” and may be used in adults and children.
How painful is DCR surgery?
There is usually no significant pain after the surgery. You may note some aching, tenderness, swelling and bruising on the side of the nose and around the eye. If you experience pain take panadol or panadeine (not aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks as this could cause bleeding).
What should be avoided after DCR surgery?
After a DCR procedure we generally advise patients not to fly for 2 − 3 weeks, to avoid hot drinks for 36 hours, and not to blow their nose for 2 weeks. Patients should not undertake strenuous exercise for at least ten days, and should try to sleep with their head elevated on an extra pillow if possible.
What antibiotics are used for dacryocystitis?
Acute dacryocystitis with orbital cellulitis necessitates hospitalization with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Ampicillin-sulbactam, ceftriaxone, and moxifloxacin are possible antibiotic alternatives.
How successful is DCR surgery?
The success rate in patients without previous lacrimal duct surgery was 88.5% compared to 74.3% for patients with previous lacrimal duct surgery….3. Results.
| Success rates | |
|---|---|
| Patients without previous episodes of dacryocystitis | 83.4 |
| DCR as primary procedure | 88.5 |
| DCR after any form of initial lacrimal surgery | 74.3 |