Blocked Tear Ducts: Infracturing

Topic Overview

Infracturing is a type of surgery that involves breaking and repositioning one of the bones within the nose (inferior turbinate) to help resolve a blocked tear duct. This procedure may be done if the nose structure is pressing against and blocking the lower end of the tear duct.

The procedure is done in the hospital using general anesthesia. The person stays in the hospital 1 to 3 hours after surgery so that she or he can be watched for complications. No incision is made on the outside of the nose.

Risks from infracturing include:

• Bleeding from the nose and severe bruising of the nose and face after surgery.
• Inhaling fluids (such as blood or mucus) during surgery.