A Case of Acquired Lacrimal Fistula Caused by Silicone Tube Remnant

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of acquired lacrimal fistula caused by silicone tube remnant. CASE SUMMARY: A 56-years-old female who suffered from purulent discharge in inner skin of the right lower eyelid visited our clinic. Lacrimal fistula was found in the skin at the medial side of the right lower eyelid. The patient reported that she had a silicone tube intubation operation 3 years prior due to a nasolacrimal obstruction of right eye. On syringing test, saline solution and purulent discharge were drained from the fistula skin opening and there was no nasolacrimal obstruction. After admission, antibiotic treatment and potadine soaking dressing were performed to facilitate spontaneous closing of the lacrimal fistula. However, the lacrimal fistula relapsed and lacrimal fistulectomy and bicanalicular silicone tube intubation were performed. During surgery, silicone tube remnant material not totally extubated at the lacrimal sac was found which we removed. Postoperatively, systemic antibiotic therapy was administered and the chronic inflammation improved. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of lacrimal fistula caused by silicone tube remnant in the lacrimal sac. Acquired lacrimal fistula caused by a silicone tube remnant can be treated by fistulectomy and silicone tube remnant removal.