Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Specialist In Singapore
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
3 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
Why & When Do I Need Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is typically done to relieve the symptoms of a blocked tear duct, such as excessive eye watering or crusting around your eye. If left untreated, the tear duct may become infected, leading to more severe complications.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is generally recommended if:
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Your symptoms are severe and persistent
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Less invasive treatment methods and home remedies such as warm compresses, massages and antibiotics are ineffective in relieving symptoms
What Is Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a minimally invasive surgery to treat blocked tear ducts due to infection of the tear sac (lacrimal sac), also known as dacryocystitis. DCR creates a new passageway for tears to drain between the lacrimal sac and the upper part of the nose.
Possible Risks & Complications
As with any other nasal procedure, there are always side effects observed.
Some of the possible side effects include:
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Nosebleed
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Abnormally fused tissue in the nose
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Displacement of the stent placed in the tear duct
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Sheild Plan, or Medisave.
Please note: All three Ascent ENT clinics and all our doctors are recognized Prudential Panel providers, making it easier for Prudential policyholders to access specialist ENT care across our network. Please verify your specific plan coverage with Prudential before booking.
What Happens During Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?
Before the procedure, your doctor will likely advise you to stop taking certain medications to prevent complications during the operation. You are also not allowed to eat anything after midnight before the day of the surgery.
During DCR, your doctor may first assess your tear-draining passages by syringing salty water through the tear ducts to determine the location and severity of the blockage. Furthermore, they may also order a CT or MRI scan to examine your nose and nasal passages. Afterwards, your doctor will administer general anaesthesia before inserting a thin, fibre-optic viewing instrument called an endoscope into your nose to create small incisions in the bone that overlies the lacrimal sac. This creates a new pathway and allows tears to drain directly from the lacrimal sac into the nose. In most endoscopic DCR cases, a small tube (stent) may be placed in the opening to help keep the passage open.
When the procedure is complete, you will be brought to a recovery room, where your vital signs will be observed as your anaesthetic slowly wears off.
What To Expect Afterwards?
Following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), your doctor will likely advise you on some postoperative instructions on how to care for yourself during recovery. For example, they may recommend taking antibiotics and over-the-counter medications to prevent infection and relieve discomfort, as well as using nasal decongestants to rinse the nasal cavity.
Additionally, your doctor will also schedule follow-up appointments to check if there are any complications after the procedure. If a stent was placed, it would also be removed a few weeks after the surgery.
Visit Us Today
Our Clinic
Visit us at any of our 3 convenient locations in Singapore!
Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03/04/05
Singapore 228510 -
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Other Practice Locations
Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an external DCR and an endoscopic DCR?
An external DCR is typically performed by making incisions in the skin area under the eyes to create an opening from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. The incisions will then be closed with stitches. This traditional method may result in scarring of the face or eyelids.
On the other hand, endoscopic DCR is conducted through the nasal passages without leaving a skin incision. As such, there is no risk of scarring,
How long will I take to recover after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)?
Side effects from the surgery, such as mild discomfort and nose bleeding, will typically resolve within 2 to 4 weeks.
