There is a small opening in your eyelids that drains the tears your eyes produce. When you blink, tears are pushed into these openings. From there, they travel through the canaliculus and into a larger area called the lacrimal sac. This sac continues down to the tear duct, which goes around the bony structures that surround the nose and drains into the nasal cavity. Unfortunately, sometimes, tear ducts get blocked. When this happens, it can cause excessive tearing, irritation, and infection. Luckily, these issues can be resolved through tear duct surgery performed by a qualified eyelid surgeon. This surgery can help restore proper tear drainage from the eyes to the nose. If you think that you or someone close to you needs this surgery, you may have wondered,” How long does a tear duct surgery take?”. Continue reading to find the answer to this question.
How Long Does a Tear Duct Surgery Take?
To address tear duct obstruction and to create a new pathway for tear drainage, surgeons use two common methods:
External DCR
With a success rate of 90%, this is the more common method of operation in addressing a blocked tear duct. During an external DCR, the surgeon makes a small incision on the side of the nose. Next, they remove a small amount of bone between the tear sac and the nose to create a new passage for the tears to go down. They will place flexible tubes in the new passage to keep it open.
This surgery is usually performed on patients with complex tear duct cases or where endoscopic access is limited. It usually takes 45-90 minutes. It may take more time to complete suturing and provide the meticulous care necessary to minimize scarring. The surgeon will remove the stitches on the side of the nose after around one week and the tubes are removed after 6-8 weeks.
Endoscopic DCR
In an endoscopic DCR, the drainage pathway is created without creating external incisions. It is a minimally invasive method that is performed through the nasal cavity using an endoscope. A silicon stent or tube is inserted to maintain the opening in the tear system throughout the healing process. It will be removed two to four weeks after the operation.
The endoscopic DCR is usually preferred by patients who prefer the minimally invasive option and who are avoiding external scarring.
The duration of the surgery is usually shorter than that of an external DCR, lasting only 30-60 minutes. This operation is shorter because it does not include external incisions and has less soft tissue dissection.
Factors that Influence Surgery Duration
While the duration of the tear drainage surgery is relatively short, certain factors affect the length of time the procedure takes.
Severity of the Obstruction
Partial obstructions or blockages are usually resolved more quickly than complete blockages. Scar tissue and repeated infections may also extend the surgical time.
Type of Anesthesia
The surgery may be performed either under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The time spent on the administration of the anesthesia, as well as the time to wake up and recover from it, can add to the overall procedure time.
Patient Anatomy
Nasal anatomy and pre-existing conditions like polyps may require adjustments during surgery and lead to a longer surgery.
Surgeon’s Experience
Highly-experienced surgeons are able to perform the surgery more efficiently while ensuring optimal results than less-experienced ones.
Techniques Used
If stents or tubes are used to keep the new tear duct pathway open during healing, the few extra minutes spent in inserting these devices can lengthen the duration of the procedure.
Surgical Facility Resources
The use of state-of-the-art equipment in advanced surgical facilities can often make the process shorter compared to when the procedure is done in a facility using traditional tools.
Recovery Time After Surgery
While the surgical procedure may be brief, the healing and recovery process usually takes a few weeks.
- After the surgery, patients usually go home on the same day. Mild discomfort, swelling, or nasal congestion are normally expected and usually subside within a week.
- The stitches are usually removed after a week, while the stents and tubes are removed after 1 to 3 months, depending on how fast you are healing.
- Patients usually achieve full recovery after 4 to 6 weeks and are advised to avoid strenuous activity and to follow their surgeon’s instructions during this time.
Symptoms and Causes
Some symptoms of blocked tear ducts are tearing, discharge from the eye, and pain in the tear duct or surrounding area. Although in most cases, the causes of blocked tear ducts are unknown, there are times when health issues cause them.
Get the Treatment Your Eyes Need
Tear duct surgery is a relatively short and straightforward procedure that usually lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. While the exact duration depends on different factors like the patient’s anatomy, type of anesthesia, severity of blockage, and techniques used, understanding the procedure and consulting with a well-experienced qualified surgeon will make you feel more confident and at ease during the procedure.
If you have concerns or questions about tear duct surgery, please feel free to consult with us. Through our expertise and guidance, you can be assured of a smooth and successful surgical experience.