Unblocking the tear ducts with the endoscopic method – delicate structures transporting tears from the eyes to the nose. They consist of lacrimal points (puncta lacrimalia) leading to the tear ducts (upper and lower), and then to the lacrimal sac located in depression of the lacrimal bone. It is connected to the nasolacrimal tube that enters the cavity nasal passages.

In the case of properly developed tear ducts, tears are drained from the conjunctival sac to the nose. Unfortunately, it happens that these roads are clogged. It may be a congenital disorder (affects about 6% of infants) or acquired.

The first and main symptom of an obstruction is excessive watering of the eyes, which seems minor ailment. However, it is worth knowing that long-term obstruction (including congenital) works the growth of normal bacteria (streptococci and staphylococci) in the lacrimal sac conditions would be washed away with tears. This causes the lacrimal sac to be filled with purulent discharge which, without finding a way out, passes to the the surface of the eyeball. The result is constant suppuration of the eyes and sticking of the eyelids in the morning after sleep, especially in kids. As a result, inflammation of the conjunctiva and the lacrimal sac can develop.

In addition to congenital obstruction, the factors causing it include:

• injuries around the tear ducts,
• curvature of the nasal septum,
• chemical and thermal burns,
• chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses,
• past bacterial, viral and fungal inflammations,
• cancers,
• other medical conditions such as sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, tuberculosis.

Endoscopic lacrimal drainage (EDCR – endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy) is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to create a connection between the tear ducts and the nose. Thanks to this, the tears can flow freely into the nasal passage.

The treatment does not require external skin cuts. It is based on introducing tear microscope into the tubule, optical fiber or laser fiber under endoscope guidance.

The endoscopic method is safe and extremely effective. Complications rarely appear. Due to the almost bloodless surgical field, risk of postoperative bleeding is minimized. The procedure takes only 20-30 minutes and can be combined with other intranasal procedures such as surgery on the paranasal sinuses or septum of the nose.

We cordially invite you to the ENT clinic, where endoscopic procedures are performed by specialist in otolaryngology Dr Roman Głowacki.