Lacrimal Duct Dilatation
The Lacrimal Duct Dilatation is a specialized day treatment procedure that is non-invasive and cheaper alternative to Lacrimal Duct Surgery for Tearing Eyes.
Non-invasive approach should always be the first recommendation by doctors. This procedure has minimum complications and do not alter your natural lacrimal duct construction. Hence, Health Insurance providers will often cover Lacrimal Duct Dilatation procedure for cost and low risk reasons. The recommendation is often Lacrimal Duct Dilatation procedure first before invasive Lacrimal Duct Surgery. Some studies has shown benefits of Lacrimal Duct Dilatation outweighing the Lacrimal Duct Surgery procedures. Some of the benefits can be drawn from the comparison table below:: |
Lacrimal Duct Dilatation
- Out-Patient Treatment - Local Anesthesia only - Cost about 20% of Lacrimal Duct Surgery - Success Rate is about 80% - No scarring on skin or Duct |
Lacrimal Duct Surgery
- In Patient is a required - General Anesthesia needed - Cost about CHF 5 000 for total complete treatment - Success Rate is about 80% - Scarring |
The Lacrimal Duct Dilatation Pros and Cons
PROS
- Only a day treatment procedure
(classified as Out-Patient)
- No General Anesthesia
(Side Effects of General Anesthesia)
The Lacrimal Duct Dilatation will only need Local Anesthesia or no Anesthesia while Lacrimal Duct Surgery will need General Anesthesia.
The memory loss side effects are one reason (among others) patients often opt for local, rather than general anesthesia. In the case of Surgery, it will not be possible to escape General Anesthesia.
- Local Anesthetic
(We would advise to have Local Anesthesia for this procedure although some patients underwent this procedure without any.)
- Cheaper
The Lacrimal Duct Surgery cost up to 5 times more than the Lacrimal Duct Surgery. Hence, most Health Insurer will cover this procedure.
- Non-invasive
There is no alteration done to your natural Lacrimal Duct. Hence, the natural Lacrimal Duct is preserved.
- Only a day treatment procedure
(classified as Out-Patient)
- No General Anesthesia
(Side Effects of General Anesthesia)
The Lacrimal Duct Dilatation will only need Local Anesthesia or no Anesthesia while Lacrimal Duct Surgery will need General Anesthesia.
The memory loss side effects are one reason (among others) patients often opt for local, rather than general anesthesia. In the case of Surgery, it will not be possible to escape General Anesthesia.
- Local Anesthetic
(We would advise to have Local Anesthesia for this procedure although some patients underwent this procedure without any.)
- Cheaper
The Lacrimal Duct Surgery cost up to 5 times more than the Lacrimal Duct Surgery. Hence, most Health Insurer will cover this procedure.
- Non-invasive
There is no alteration done to your natural Lacrimal Duct. Hence, the natural Lacrimal Duct is preserved.
CONS
- Small Radiation Dose
- Small Radiation Dose