Endoscopic Surgery for DCR
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Endoscopic surgery for Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure used to treat blockages in the tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts). A blocked tear duct can lead to excessive tearing (epiphora), recurrent eye infections, and sometimes painful swelling near the corner of the eye. DCR is performed to create a new drainage channel between the lacrimal sac (the tear reservoir) and the nasal cavity, allowing tears to bypass the obstruction and drain directly into the nose.
Unlike traditional external DCR, which involves making an incision on the side of the nose, endoscopic DCR uses nasal endoscopy to access the lacrimal system internally. This means no external scarring and a quicker recovery time. During the procedure, a thin endoscope equipped with a camera is inserted through the nasal passage. Using specialized surgical tools, the surgeon creates a small opening in the bone that separates the tear sac from the nasal cavity. A stent is often placed to keep the passage open as it heals.
This procedure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia, and the surgeon operates with the aid of high-resolution imaging technology. This ensures precision and reduces the risk of damaging surrounding tissues. Endoscopic DCR is becoming a preferred method due to its less invasive nature and cosmetically superior results, as no external scars are left.
Procedure Duration
The duration of an endoscopic DCR procedure typically ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the tear duct obstruction and the patient's anatomy. The surgery usually involves several phases, starting with the administration of anesthesia (either general or local) to ensure the patient’s comfort. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon introduces the endoscope through the nasal cavity to visualize the lacrimal sac and tear duct system.
In the second phase, the surgeon uses fine instruments to remove any obstructing tissue or bone and create a direct passage between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. In some cases, a small silicone tube (stent) is placed into the new opening to maintain the passage during the healing process. This tube is generally removed within a few weeks to a few months after surgery, depending on the healing progress.
Recovery time after endoscopic DCR is relatively short. Most patients can go home the same day, although they are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least one to two weeks post-surgery. Initial healing typically takes about one to two weeks, during which mild discomfort, nasal congestion, or slight bleeding may occur. Full recovery, with the stent in place, can take a few months. Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the tear drainage system is functioning properly.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive: No external incisions or scarring, providing a better cosmetic outcome.
- Faster recovery time: Shorter healing period compared to external DCR, with less discomfort post-surgery.
- High success rates: Endoscopic DCR has been shown to have similar or higher success rates than external DCR.
- Reduced risk of infection: The lack of an external incision decreases the risk of postoperative infections.
- Outpatient procedure: Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a week or two.
Potential Destinations
- India
India is known for its cost-effective and highly skilled surgeons performing advanced endoscopic surgeries, including DCR. The availability of state-of-the-art medical facilities and experienced professionals makes India a prime destination for those seeking affordable yet high-quality care.
- Turkey
Turkey is a popular destination for medical tourists due to its blend of modern healthcare infrastructure and affordable treatment options. Its specialized centers in ophthalmology and endoscopic procedures make it an ideal choice for endoscopic DCR surgeries.
- Thailand
Thailand has a strong reputation in the field of medical tourism, with a wide range of specialties, including ophthalmology. Patients benefit from excellent surgical outcomes at competitive prices, coupled with a warm, welcoming recovery environment.
- South Korea
South Korea is renowned for its advanced medical technologies and skilled surgeons. The country’s medical centers are equipped with cutting-edge endoscopic equipment, ensuring precise and successful outcomes for DCR procedures.
- Mexico
For those traveling from North America, Mexico offers high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost found in the United States. Many hospitals in Mexico have modern facilities and experienced surgeons who specialize in endoscopic procedures like DCR.
Risks & Considerations
- Nasal bleeding: Some patients may experience nasal bleeding after the procedure, which usually subsides within a few days. However, in rare cases, more severe bleeding may require medical attention.
- Infection: Although rare, infections can occur in the nasal cavity or tear duct area post-surgery. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to mitigate this risk.
- Failure of the procedure: In some instances, the newly created passage may close up again, necessitating a revision surgery.
- Scar tissue formation: Although endoscopic DCR avoids external scars, internal scar tissue can sometimes form around the surgery site, potentially blocking the tear duct again.
- Stent complications: In cases where a stent is used, there is a small risk of irritation, displacement, or infection, which would require prompt medical attention.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Choosing the right doctor and hospital for endoscopic DCR is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome. Start by seeking out surgeons who specialize in ophthalmology and otolaryngology (ENT) with extensive experience in performing endoscopic procedures. A doctor with a proven track record in endoscopic DCR and who is well-versed in managing complications that may arise during or after surgery is essential.
When evaluating hospitals, ensure they are equipped with the latest endoscopic technology and have a dedicated team of specialists who can provide comprehensive care. Look for institutions that prioritize patient safety, have high success rates with endoscopic procedures, and offer personalized aftercare plans. Additionally, hospitals with accreditation and a reputation for high standards of care in ophthalmic and nasal surgeries will give you peace of mind that you're in expert hands.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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