What is an important postoperative consideration after DCR?

• A. No postoperative care is required
• B. Postoperative antibiotics are contraindicated
• C. The ostium patency is guaranteed without follow-up
• D. Regular cleaning and monitoring of the ostium is important

Answer: (D)

After DCR, keeping the new drainage opening open is essential, so postoperative care focuses on cleaning and closely monitoring the ostium. The healing tissues can scar or form granulation that narrows or blocks the new passage, so regular cleaning helps remove crusts and debris and ongoing assessment ensures any narrowing or infection is caught early. Patients are typically instructed on nasal hygiene, may use saline irrigation, and often receive topical medications to reduce inflammation and prevent infection, with follow-up visits to check ostium patency and mucosal healing. The idea is that the ostium is not guaranteed to stay open on its own, so ongoing care is needed.

Why the other options aren’t correct: there is indeed postoperative care required; antibiotics are not contraindicated and are often used as prescribed to prevent infection; and ostium patency is not guaranteed without follow-up, so regular monitoring is important to maintain long-term success.