A dacryocystectomy (DCT) is a surgical procedure to remove the lacrimal sac. This sac is located at the junction of the tear duct and the nose. The lacrimal sac stores tears that are produced by the lacrimal gland. Tears drain from the eye through the tear duct and into the lacrimal sac. From the lacrimal sac, tears drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. The most common reason for a dacryocystectomy is a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. This blockage can be due to various reasons, including infection, inflammation, or a tumor. A dacryocystectomy is also sometimes performed to treat chronic infection of the lacrimal sac.
Pre-procedure instructions for a DCT (Dacryocystectomy) typically include Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning medications for at least two weeks before the procedure. Stopping smoking at least two weeks before the procedure. Arriving at the procedure site with a clean face. Arriving at the procedure site with a driver, sedation will be used during the procedure
Dacryocystectomy (DCT) is a surgical procedure to remove the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is located at the junction of the middle and inner third of the eyelid. It is a small, triangular-shaped sac that collects tears from the eye and drains them into the nasolacrimal duct. The nasolacrimal duct drains tears into the nose. Dacryocystectomy is usually performed to treat a blocked nasolacrimal duct. The blockage may be caused by a congenital abnormality, trauma, infection, or tumour. Dacryocystectomy may also be performed to treat a dacryocystocele, a sac-like enlargement of the lacrimal sac. Dacryocystectomy is typically performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin of the eyelid and removes the lacrimal sac. The nasolacrimal duct is then opened and a silicone tube, called a stent, is inserted into the duct. The stent is left in place for six to eight weeks to keep the duct open.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure for the treatment of a blocked tear duct, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Typically a DCR procedure is performed if there is a complete or near complete obstruction of the duct. During DCR a new tear drain in created between the eye and nose to bypass the blocked tear drain. This helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with a blocked tear duct, such as:
Excessive tearing
Recurrent conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye
Recurrent dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac)
Painful swelling in the corner of the eye (near the nose)
Chronic mucus discharge
Eye irritation
Endoscopically (through within the nose)
Externally (through the skin)
