Transcanalicular Dcr

The energy source is advanced through the canaliculus to reach the lacrimal sac, rather than approaching the sac through an external skin incision. It opens the sac and establishes an outlet into the nasal cavity. This newly created route allows tears to circumvent the obstructed nasolacrimal duct and reconnect the ocular surface with the nasal drainage pathway.

The transcanalicular route limits the need for external incisions and reduces disruption of surrounding tissue. Its less invasive access is clinically relevant when the treatment goal is to re-establish drainage while avoiding a larger external approach. The technique therefore offers a tissue-sparing option for selected patients whose obstruction can be managed through the lacrimal canalicular pathway.

Transcanalicular DCR is specifically relevant to acquired obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. When this blockage prevents normal tear passage, patients may experience excessive tearing or recurrent infection. Creating an alternate connection from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity addresses the obstructive component rather than treating tearing as an isolated surface symptom.

The procedure begins by introducing a laser or another energy source through the canaliculus. The operator directs that energy toward the lacrimal sac, opens the sac, and creates a passage into the nasal cavity. The essential workflow uses the patient’s existing lacrimal drainage entry point and aims to form a bypass around the obstructed duct.

Clinicians may consider this approach for selected patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, particularly when excessive tearing or recurrent lacrimal-system infection reflects impaired drainage. Patient selection is important because the technique is intended for appropriate obstructive disease rather than every cause of ocular watering. Its minimally invasive route supports targeted management of suitable lacrimal conditions.

The intended outcome is restoration of tear drainage through the newly created connection between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity. By bypassing the blocked nasolacrimal duct, the procedure may address the drainage problem underlying excessive tearing and recurrent infection. In medicine, this makes transcanalicular DCR an option for less invasive management of selected lacrimal system disease.