Which procedure is used to treat acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

Which procedure is used to treat acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

• A. Dacryocystorhinostomy
• B. Canaliculotomy
• C. Probing and irrigation
• D. Dacryocystectomy

Answer: (A)

When tears aren’t draining because the nasolacrimal duct is blocked, the goal is to bypass that obstruction and create a new drainage path into the nasal cavity. Dacryocystorhinostomy does exactly that by connecting the lacrimal sac directly to the nasal mucosa, forming a new tear duct route. This can be done from outside the nose or through the nasal cavity with an endoscope, and it provides a reliable solution for acquired NLDO. The other procedures treat different issues or are less definitive for NLDO. Canaliculotomy targets blockages in the canaliculi, not the nasolacrimal duct. Probing and irrigation may be used to evaluate the blockage or attempt initial relief in some cases, but they are not a lasting solution for established acquired NLDO. Dacryocystectomy removes the lacrimal sac and eliminates tear drainage rather than restoring it, so it’s not appropriate for treating NLDO.

When tears aren’t draining because the nasolacrimal duct is blocked, the goal is to bypass that obstruction and create a new drainage path into the nasal cavity. Dacryocystorhinostomy does exactly that by connecting the lacrimal sac directly to the nasal mucosa, forming a new tear duct route. This can be done from outside the nose or through the nasal cavity with an endoscope, and it provides a reliable solution for acquired NLDO.

The other procedures treat different issues or are less definitive for NLDO. Canaliculotomy targets blockages in the canaliculi, not the nasolacrimal duct. Probing and irrigation may be used to evaluate the blockage or attempt initial relief in some cases, but they are not a lasting solution for established acquired NLDO. Dacryocystectomy removes the lacrimal sac and eliminates tear drainage rather than restoring it, so it’s not appropriate for treating NLDO.