If there is sufficient blockage of the tear ducts, then an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be performed to help permanently improve the drainage pathway. This is all performed in the operating room, under general anesthesia, as same day surgery. A small camera, called an endoscope, is passed into the nose allowing for identifying the tract of the nasolacrimal duct. The area is surgically opened, allowing for free drainage of eye contents into the nose. Small stents are temporarily placed through the tear duct system and left in place to prevent scarring of the ducts during the healing process. The stents are removed in the clinic.