DCR is the method of choice for adult patients whose tear ducts are completely blocked. This operation is always performed under general anesthesia. During this operation, a new opening is created in the nasal bone through which tears can drain into the nose. This is done via a small, approx. 1 cm long skin incision on the side of the nose (Toti’s operation). In order to keep the new tear drain open, a silicone tube is also inserted into the tear ducts and knotted in the nose during the dacryocystorhinostomy. This tube can be left in place from 6 weeks to 3 months and is then removed under local anesthesia.
