Which postoperative practice supports patency after DCR?

• A. Avoiding all nasal irrigation after surgery
• B. Skipping all follow-up visits
• C. Regular cleaning and monitoring of the nasolacrimal ostium
• D. Immediate eyelid surgery to adjust tear drainage

Answer: (C)

Keeping the new tear drainage pathway open after a DCR relies on regular cleaning and careful monitoring of the nasolacrimal ostium. The ostium can become blocked by crusts, debris, or scar tissue as healing occurs. By cleaning the area and checking the opening, you prevent crusts from forming and catch any early narrowing or granulation tissue before it compromises patency. This targeted post-op care directly supports the long-term drainage function created by the procedure.

Avoiding nasal irrigation could lead to more crusting and blockage of the ostium, instead of preventing it. Skipping follow-up visits means problems like stenosis or granulation tissue might go unnoticed and untreated. Immediate eyelid surgery to adjust tear drainage does not address the actual drainage pathway created by DCR and won’t reliably improve patency.