What is Endoscopic DCR and How is it Performed?

Endoscopic DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) is a surgical procedure performed to treat obstructions in the lacrimal sac. This procedure is used to open the lacrimal duct. Endoscopic DCR is a minimally invasive procedure and is usually performed under general anesthesia. In this technique, the surgeon uses an endoscope to overcome the obstruction between the nose and the lacrimal sac. The endoscope is a thin tube inserted into the nose that allows the surgeon to see the lacrimal duct. The harmful tissue or structures causing the obstruction are removed via the endoscope and the canal between the nose and the lacrimal sac is reopened. This procedure speeds up the patient’s recovery process and usually does not require hospitalization. Endoscopic DCR is a modern method for the treatment of lacrimal obstruction and is performed through small incisions made over the nostrils.

What is Lacrimal Sac Obstruction and How Does This Surgery Help?

Lacrimal sac obstruction is the condition in which tears cannot drain properly due to any reason due to obstruction of the tear ducts. This obstruction usually occurs as a result of infection, aging, congenital structural disorders or trauma in the tear duct. Lacrimal sac obstruction manifests itself with symptoms such as watering of the eyes, eye redness and pain. Endoscopic DCR is one of the most effective surgical methods for treating this obstruction. This procedure eliminates the obstruction in the tear ducts and allows the tears to drain normally. When the tear sac is opened, the tears are allowed to drain properly into the nose, thus preventing watery eyes. Endoscopic DCR provides a great advantage over classical methods with its rapid healing process and being less invasive.

What are the differences between endoscopic DCR and classical DCR?

The main difference between endoscopic DCR and classic DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) is the method used and the application. Classic DCR is a surgery performed with larger incisions. In this technique, a large incision is usually made in the facial area to reach the area where the tear duct will be opened. However, endoscopic DCR is a minimally invasive method, and the tear duct is reached with a small incision made through the nose. Using an endoscope, the surgeon can directly see the source of the obstruction and intervene, which provides a more precise and safe procedure. One of the biggest advantages of endoscopic DCR is that the recovery process is much shorter. In classic DCR, the recovery period can be longer because tissue damage is greater because a larger incision is made. In addition, the risk of scarring after endoscopic DCR is much lower. As a result, endoscopic DCR offers less pain, shorter recovery time and more aesthetic results for patients.

In Which Cases Is Endoscopic DCR Surgery Necessary?

Endoscopic DCR is a surgical method that is generally recommended for patients with blocked tear ducts. This procedure is necessary in cases where the tear duct does not work properly and causes problems such as constant watering, redness and sometimes infection in the eyes. Obstruction in the tear duct can be congenital, or it can develop due to infections or traumas around the nose and eyes. Constant watering occurs in the eyes due to tear duct obstruction, and this can affect the person’s daily quality of life. Endoscopic DCR is used to treat such obstructions. In addition, this procedure carries a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery process than the more invasive methods of classic DCR. If the tear duct is blocked and previous treatment methods have not been successful, endoscopic DCR surgery may be the best option to solve this problem.

What Causes Lacrimal Sac Obstruction?

The main causes of lacrimal sac obstruction include congenital structural disorders, aging, infections, and traumas. Some people who are born with it may experience these obstructions due to deficiencies in the normal structural development of the tear duct. Aging can cause the tear ducts to narrow or become blocked, which prevents the tears from flowing properly. In addition, infections or inflammations in the tear duct can cause the duct to swell and become blocked. Another factor that causes lacrimal duct obstruction is traumas around the nose and eyes. Such physical damages block the tear ducts, preventing the tears from flowing properly into the nose. As a result, lacrimal sac obstruction is a condition that can occur for various reasons and, if left untreated, can lead to watery eyes, infection, and long-term discomfort.

What Kind of Problems Does a Clogged Tear Duct Cause?

A blocked tear duct can cause a number of problems by preventing tears from draining normally through the nose. Tears naturally cleanse the eye of foreign objects, create a protective barrier, and keep the eye moist. A blocked tear duct disrupts these functions and causes problems such as constant watering, redness, burning sensation, and the risk of infection in the eyes. Constant watering makes it difficult for patients to keep their eyes clean and can cause discomfort in their daily lives. In addition, if a blocked tear duct is left untreated, the risk of infection in the eye increases. A person with a blocked tear duct can experience frequent eye infections and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membrane). In this case, tear fluids can accumulate and become infected, which can lead to more serious eye diseases. If a blocked tear duct is not treated, it can become a condition that can lead to long-term complications.

In Which Cases Is Surgical Intervention (DCR) Mandatory?

Surgery becomes necessary when problems with a blocked tear duct persist. If a blocked tear duct is left untreated, more serious problems such as constant watering of the eyes, eye infections, and other eye diseases can occur. When the blockage does not resolve with medication or other non-invasive methods to open the tear duct, surgical intervention (DCR) is necessary. DCR is a surgical procedure performed to remove the blockage in the tear duct and allow the tears to drain properly. This type of intervention is especially necessary when there are long-term blockages, infections, or structural problems in the tear ducts. In addition, tear duct obstruction can be congenital or develop due to age, in which case surgical intervention can help to permanently resolve the problem. If other treatment methods have not been successful, surgical intervention may be the most appropriate option to restore the functionality of the tear duct.

How is Endoscopic DCR Surgery Performed?

Endoscopic DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to treat obstruction in the tear duct. This procedure is performed using a small, lighted device called an endoscope. In the endoscopic DCR procedure, the surgeon reaches the tear sac through a small incision made inside the nose. Here, the tissue or structures causing the obstruction are removed and the obstruction in the tear duct is eliminated. Through the endoscope, the surgeon makes the connection between the nose and the tear sac visible and the duct is opened. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. Since the endoscopic method is less invasive, the recovery process is fast and the risk of complications is lower. Thanks to the small incisions made inside the nose, there are no external scars and the patient can usually return to normal life within a few days. This procedure is one of the most effective methods for the definitive solution of obstruction in the tear duct.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscopic method?

Endoscopic DCR has many advantages. First, since it is a minimally invasive procedure, the blockage can be removed without making large incisions. This speeds up the patient’s recovery process and causes less pain. In addition, the small incisions used in the endoscopic method do not leave any scars on the outside, which provides a great advantage in terms of aesthetics. Endoscopic DCR allows the surgeon to directly see the blockages in the tear duct, which makes it possible to perform a more precise and accurate intervention. After the procedure, patients can usually return to their daily lives within a few days.

However, endoscopic DCR can also have some disadvantages. It is important for each surgeon to have a high level of experience with this method, because interventions using an endoscope require precision. In addition, complications such as incomplete removal of the obstruction or re-obstruction of the canal can occur, although rare. It is very important for the surgeon to use the right techniques and to pay attention to the patient’s recovery process.

In Which Situations is Endoscopic DCR Preferred Instead of Classical DCR?

Endoscopic DCR is a less invasive and more advantageous method in terms of recovery compared to classic DCR. Classic DCR is a procedure that requires larger incisions and is generally preferred in cases where the tear duct obstruction is more complex or the endoscopic method is not suitable. However, endoscopic DCR is preferred over classic DCR in many cases because it offers more precise and aesthetically more successful results. The endoscopic method is generally preferred because the obstruction can be easily seen and less tissue damage is created. In addition, endoscopic DCR reduces the risk of complications by allowing the surgeon to see the obstruction in the tear duct better. Another advantage of choosing endoscopic DCR over classic DCR is that patients recover faster. This method allows patients to return to their normal lives in a shorter period of time after surgery. Endoscopic DCR is one of the preferred surgical methods today, especially because it offers a simpler and more effective solution.

Is There an Age Limit for Surgery?

There is usually no age limit for surgical interventions performed for lacrimal sac obstruction, but the most appropriate age for the procedure is individuals who are generally 18 years of age or older, when the nose and lacrimal duct are fully developed. In children and adolescents, surgical intervention is usually postponed, except in cases where lacrimal sac obstruction may be congenital. Because the lacrimal ducts usually develop until puberty. Since the development of the lacrimal duct is completed during puberty, surgical interventions after this age provide safer and more effective results. However, congenital obstructions in particular may also require treatment during infancy. In such cases, age-appropriate treatment methods and surgical interventions can be applied. The age limit is determined by the surgeon considering the patient’s general health status and the type of problem in the lacrimal ducts.

Can Surgery Be Performed in Patients With Lacrimal Sac Infection?

Lacrimal sac infection is usually caused by blockage or inflammation in the tear duct and can make surgical intervention difficult. However, if there is an infection in the tear sac, this infection should be treated before surgery. Infections can put the surgical procedure at risk and negatively affect the healing process. Infections that develop due to lacrimal sac obstruction can usually be controlled with antibiotic treatment. After the infection is treated, surgery on the lacrimal sac can be performed. In order to prevent the spread of the infection in the body and to speed up the healing process, the surgeon takes this into account when scheduling the surgery. It is generally not recommended to perform surgery before the infection is treated, because the healing of infected tissues can lead to complications after surgery.

How Long Is The Recovery Time After Surgery?

The recovery period after minimally invasive surgical procedures such as endoscopic DCR is usually rapid. During the first few days, there may be mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort. However, these effects usually subside within 3-5 days. The recovery period can vary depending on the individual’s general health, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the procedure. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a week after endoscopic DCR, but it can take 2-3 weeks for the recovery process to be complete. During this period, patients should avoid putting pressure on the nasal area and heavy physical activity. With the removal of the tear duct obstruction, healing inside the nose accelerates within 1-2 weeks, but it can take 3-6 months for the duct to fully heal and regain its function. Once the tear duct obstruction is removed, tears begin to flow properly and patients’ complaints decrease.

When Can I Return to Daily Life?

After endoscopic DCR surgery, patients can usually return to their daily lives within 1-2 days. There may be mild swelling and bruising after the surgery, but these quickly subside and patients have no difficulty in returning to their normal activities. In the first few days after the procedure, the area around the eyes may be sensitive, so patients should avoid heavy exercises and direct pressure on the nose area. The recovery process after the procedure is complete within a few weeks, and patients can usually continue their daily lives comfortably after the nasal and tear duct obstruction is completely cleared. In addition, it is important for patients to pay attention to their doctors’ recommendations during the recovery process in order to prevent complications and recover quickly. After endoscopic DCR, patients can return to their normal lives without requiring any special care after the nasal area has healed.

What Should Be Considered During the Recovery Process?

The recovery process after endoscopic DCR surgery is usually fast, but some important points need to be taken into consideration for a successful recovery. During the first few days, patients should not put too much pressure on the nose and eye area. Temporary side effects such as swelling, bruising and mild pain may be observed, so it is important for patients to rest during this period and take the medications recommended by the surgeon regularly. In addition, care should be taken not to hit the nose area during the first week. Applying cold compresses can relieve swelling and accelerate healing. Another important point that patients should pay attention to during the recovery process is not to smoke and not to consume alcohol, as these habits can negatively affect the healing process. In addition, any products that may cause nasal congestion should be avoided and the care instructions recommended by the doctor should be followed strictly. Patients should gently clean their faces and avoid any pressure to prevent swelling and bruising around the eyes.

Is It Normal to Have Discharge, Redness and Swelling in the Eye After Endoscopic DCR Surgery?

After endoscopic DCR surgery, you may experience symptoms such as mild discharge, redness, and swelling in the eye. These symptoms are usually normal after surgery and are part of the healing process. Discharge from the eye is related to the tear duct reopening and the tears starting to flow properly. This discharge may increase during the first few days, but will decrease over time. Redness and swelling are temporary side effects that occur while the tissue around the eye heals. These symptoms usually go away on their own within 2-3 days. However, if such symptoms become severe or persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted. Applying a cold compress may be helpful to relieve swelling around the eye. It is important to remember that discharge from the eye is temporary and that the healing process will be accelerated by reopening the tear duct.

What are the points to be considered during the tracking process?

After endoscopic DCR surgery, it is very important for patients to pay attention to the follow-up process. The surgeon usually recommends a series of follow-up appointments after the surgery. These appointments will ensure that the tear duct is healing properly and the blockage is gone. During the follow-up process, patients should regularly use the medications prescribed by the surgeon, which reduces the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process. It is also important for patients not to put excessive pressure on the nose and eye area, not to strain the inside of the nose, and to avoid any trauma. Another point to pay attention to is to contact the doctor immediately if any swelling or signs of infection are noticed in the nose. During the follow-up process, patients should quickly consult a specialist in case of any changes, pain, abnormal discharge, or swelling in their eyes, which will help prevent possible complications. In order for this process to proceed smoothly, it is very important not to skip the surgeon’s recommendations and appointments.

Is Endoscopic DCR Surgery Painful?

Endoscopic DCR surgery is generally painless as it is a minimally invasive procedure. Local anesthesia is usually used during the procedure, which ensures that patients do not feel any pain during the procedure. Anesthesia allows the surgeon to access the tear duct by making small incisions inside the nose. Therefore, there is no discomfort during the procedure. However, there may be swelling and bruising for a few days after the surgery, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. However, pain after endoscopic DCR is usually mild and can be easily controlled with painkillers. Patients can return to their normal lives within a few days. Any discomfort that may be experienced during the recovery process is usually temporary, and a rapid recovery process is expected after the procedure. As a result, endoscopic DCR is a procedure that is performed with minimal pain and discomfort as a surgical intervention.

How Long Does Surgery Take and Can I Go Home the Same Day?

Endoscopic DCR surgery can usually take between 30 minutes and 1 hour because it is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require large incisions. The surgeon reaches the tear duct through a small incision made inside the nose and removes the blockage there. Because the endoscope used during the procedure allows the surgeon to see the procedure area clearly, so the procedure is performed more quickly and precisely. Patients can usually return home the same day after the surgery. Endoscopic DCR is a procedure that does not usually require hospitalization, and patients can rest after the procedure and be discharged after a few hours of monitoring. Only very rarely, in cases of risk of complications or adverse conditions such as infection, patients may need to be kept under observation for a while longer. Apart from this, most patients can easily return home after the procedure and quickly adapt to their normal daily lives.

Are Stitches Used in the Eye? If So, When Are They Removed?

During endoscopic DCR surgery, large incisions are usually not made around the eyes or in the nose, so stitches are usually not placed on the outside. Only a small incision is made on the inside of the nose during the procedure, and no stitches are required. In the endoscopic method, the procedure is performed by making small incisions in the areas that the surgeon needs to reach, and these incisions heal on their own by the body. However, in some cases, small stitches may be used in the internal areas to support the procedure. If stitches are placed, these stitches usually dissolve on their own within a few days and heal within a week. If there is a situation where stitches need to be removed, the stitches are usually removed by the surgeon after 5-7 days, depending on the patient’s condition. After the stitches are removed, the healing process accelerates and patients can continue their daily activities without feeling any pain.

Endoscopic DSR Turkey Cost 2025

Endoscopic DCR prices may vary in 2025, and these prices vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, materials used, clinic location, and patient condition. Because endoscopic DCR is generally a minimally invasive procedure, prices may be lower than larger surgical procedures (such as classic DCR). As of 2025, endoscopic DCR prices may range from approximately 8,000 TL to 15,000 TL. Prices may increase depending on the surgeon’s experience and the location of the clinic or hospital where the surgery will be performed. In addition, additional services such as follow-up and control appointments after the procedure, materials used, or anesthesia may also affect the total cost. In order to get clear information about the price, it is important to meet with a clinic or surgeon to learn both the details of the procedure and payment plans.