Tränenwegoperation

Tränenwegoperation, also known as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate blocked tear ducts. The lacrimal system, responsible for draining tears from the eye, can become obstructed, leading to excessive tearing, eye infections, and discomfort. Tränenwegoperation aims to restore proper tear drainage by creating a new pathway for tears to flow from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity.

The surgery is typically performed when conservative treatments, such as irrigation or probing of the tear duct, have failed to resolve the blockage. There are two main approaches to Tränenwegoperation: external and endoscopic. The external approach involves a small incision on the side of the nose, through which the surgeon accesses the lacrimal sac and nose to create the new drainage channel. The endoscopic approach is less invasive, utilizing a thin, flexible tube with a camera inserted through the nostril to visualize and operate within the nasal cavity. This method often results in less scarring and a quicker recovery.

The procedure is usually conducted under local or general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are typically managed with pain medication and nasal sprays. The success rate of Tränenwegoperation is generally high, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic tearing and associated complications. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the patency of the new tear drainage pathway.