Congenital fistula of the lacrimal sac

Fistulas of the lacrimal sac are visible as small openings in the skin of the medial canthus. They can cause inflammations and serous or mucous secretions. Additional canaliculi of this type can be demonstrated by dacryocystographic techniques. Under the operating microscope the fistula is exposed as far as the lacrimal sac and then excised. The lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct are examined. If there is no further stenosis a dacryocystorhinostomy is not necessary. After bicanalicular silicone intubation the wound is closed layer by layer. If primary healing occurs without complications dense closure results and there is no danger of fistulas of the lacrimal sac redeveloping.     

Congenital lacrimal sac fistula: intraoperative visualization by polyvinyl siloxane cast

We report the intraoperative use of polyvinyl siloxane impression material to demonstrate the anatomy of the lacrimal sac, canaliculi, and lacrimal duct in a case of congenital lacrimal sac fistula. A 1-week-old boy was examined for tearing since birth. Examination revealed a left congenital lacrimal sac fistula. After a failed surgery to close the fistula with silicone intubation at 6 months of age, the patient underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy performed at 14 months of age, aided by intraoperative injection of polyvinyl siloxane (trade name Reprosil) to mark and protect the nasolacrimal sac and facilitate endonasal visualization. A polyvinyl siloxane cast demonstrated the anatomy of the accessory canaliculus causing nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Postoperatively, the epiphora resolved and the fistula remained closed. The polyvinyl siloxane cast provides a 3-dimensional "ex vivo " model of the lacrimal sac, upper duct, and canalicular anatomy, and can be used in dacryocystorhinostomy surgery to identify and protect the lacrimal sac.     

Haemangiopericytoma of the lacrimal sac

Haemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare tumours which infrequently occur in the lacrimal sac. Only 8 cases of lacrimal sac HPC have previously been reported. The authors report 2 additional cases presenting clinically with epiphora and a mass. One case recurred 3 times during an 18-year period. The other case did not recur during 51 months of follow-up. The tumours showed immunohistochemical features consistent with a diagnosis of HPC. The authors recommend wide excision for these tumours and careful long-term follow-up to detect recurrence which is not uncommon.     

Hemangiopericytoma of the lacrimal sac

Hemangiopericytomas of the orbit are rare tumors with low malignancy potential. To the authors' knowledge, only three previous cases of these tumors occurring in the lacrimal sac have been reported. The authors report a fourth case. Follow-up was obtained on the first reported case, and the patient in that case had a recurrence after 15 years. These tumors should be totally excised and followed for long periods of time.     

Neurofibroma of the lacrimal sac

Neurofibroma is an extremely rare neural tumor of the lacrimal sac. We present a case of neurofibroma of the lacrimal sac in a 45-year-old lady. Based on the history of intermittent epiphora, presence of a mass in the lacrimal sac region, dacryocystogram suggestive of space occupying lesion within the lacrimal sac and computed tomographic image of a tumor lying in the lacrimal fossa region, a tentative diagnosis of lacrimal sac neoplasm was made. Excision of the tumor with repair of the lacrimal sac was performed. Histopathology proved it to be neurofibroma of the lacrimal sac. Until now, only four cases have been reported worldwide. The paucity of reported cases limits our knowledge regarding the natural course, treatment, results and prognosis of this tumor.     

Argyrosis of the lacrimal sac

Silver deposition in the wall of the lacrimal sac after prolonged application of mild silver protein (Argyrol) eye drops is documented at the light and electron microscopical level. Silver granules were found in the extracellular matrix predominantly on elastic fibres and within cells forming conglomerates in secondary lysosomes. Most of the silver-containing cells showed a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting their fibroblastic origin. Investigation by energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) indicated the precipitation of silver as selenide.     

anastomosis lacrimal sac conjunctival sac in severe laceration of lacrimal canaliculus

PURPOSE:To investigate the clinical effect of anastomosis lacrimal sac conjunctival sac in the treatment of severe laceration of lacrimal canaliculus. METHODS:A total of 19 cases (19 eyes) with laceration of lacrimal canaliculus underwent anastomosis lacrimal sac conjunctival sac.All the patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS:Among all the 19 patients (19 eyes), 14 cases were cured,3 cases wre markedly improved and 2 cases had no effect,and the effect rate was 89.47%. CONCLUSION:Anastomosis lacrimal sac conjunctival sac is an effective surgical technique in the management of severe laceration of lacrimal canaliculus.