Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
Creates a new drainage pathway between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity, the standard surgery for chronic dacryocystitis and nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard surgery for chronic dacryocystitis and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. It creates a bony window between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity lateral wall, establishing a new tear drainage pathway that bypasses the obstructed nasolacrimal duct. The current mainstream technique is endoscopic (endonasal) DCR, operating entirely through the nasal cavity with no facial incision or scarring. Traditional external DCR uses a skin incision at the medial canthus. Both approaches achieve success rates exceeding 90%. A silicone tube is typically placed to support the new pathway and removed after 2-3 months.
Quick Reference
Treatment
30 mins – 1 hours
Observation
1 days – 2 days
Est. Cost
¥1,755.76 – ¥4,682.02
Department
Ophthalmology
Who Is This For
Is Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Right for You?
Good Candidates
- Chronic dacryocystitis (recurrent tearing and discharge)
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction causing persistent epiphora
- Recurrent lacrimal sac infections
May Not Be Suitable
- Uncontrolled acute dacryocystitis (treat infection first)
- Lacrimal sac tumors must be excluded
- Severe nasal disease affecting surgical approach
- Uncorrected coagulation disorders
Step-by-Step Process
How Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Works
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia with nasal mucosal topical anesthesia (endoscopic DCR) or general anesthesia (external DCR).
Nasal preparation
Endoscopic identification of lacrimal sac projection area; create nasal mucosal flap.
Bony window creation
Remove lacrimal bone and maxillary frontal process to expose the lacrimal sac.
Lacrimal sac incision
Vertically incise the lacrimal sac medial wall to create a sac mucosal flap.
Anastomosis and intubation
Approximate lacrimal sac and nasal mucosal flaps; place silicone tube stent.
Completion
Nasal packing for hemostasis, confirm patency.
Single procedure. Silicone tube removed after 2-3 months.
Cost Information
Cost Estimate for Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
Estimated Price Range
¥1,755.76 – ¥4,682.02
What's Included
Public tier-3A International Medical Department: approximately ¥12,000-20,000 (endoscopic DCR, including hospitalization); premium private eye centers: approximately ¥18,000-32,000, including comprehensive preoperative nasal endoscopy and lacrimal assessment, specialist surgery, private room, and detailed follow-up.
Before Your Visit
What to Prepare
Required Tests & Examinations
If you already have recent valid test results, bring the reports. If not, these assessments can usually be completed in China before the procedure.
Lacrimal irrigation (confirm obstruction site)
Dacryocystography
Nasal endoscopy (assess nasal conditions)
Sinus CT
Documents & Materials to Bring
Required to Bring
Passport and valid visa
Nasal CT imaging
Lacrimal examination reports
Companion & Support
Accompaniment needed on surgery day.
After Treatment
Recovery & Follow-Up
Mild nasal oozing for 1-2 days is normal
Avoid nose blowing; open mouth when sneezing to reduce pressure
Use prescribed nasal irrigation and antibiotics
Avoid pulling on the silicone tube before removal
Maintain nasal hygiene
Follow-Up Schedule
Follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month. Tube removal at 2-3 months, then 1 month after removal.
Related Conditions
Conditions This Procedure Treats
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