Clinical Study of Lacrimal Fistulas in the Oculoplastic Surgery

ABSTRACT

Lacrimal fistula, a rare developmental disorder, may result from an abnormal budding of the epithelial cord of the lacrimal system. Most cases are unilateral, however, bilateral cases are still more rare, which are combined with other systemic diseases or accompanying disorders. This entity has so far been known only to ophthalmologist. We would like to illustrate lacrimal fistula in patients who were referred to our clinic for periorbital cosmetic surgery, such as blepharoptosis and epicanthus, from April 2005 to December 2007. Fistular orifices of all 6 patients were had been located inferomedial to medial canthi along the epicanthal fold. Out of 6 patients, 4 patients presented with unilateral lacrimal fistula; right side in 3 patients and left side in 1 patient, and bilateral lacrimal fistulas in 2 patients. Three cases were found to have positive connection between the nasolacrimal apparatus, and blind pouch type in 5 cases. Three out of six patients underwent fistulectomy with concurrent cosmetic periorbital surgery. In 2 patients who presented with connection with the nasolacrimal apparatus, fistulectomy and lacrimal sac or the common lacrimal canaliculi repair was performed as well. The remaining one patient with bilateral blind pouch type of lacrimal fistulas underwent a simple fistulectomy. There were no postoperative complications or any recurrences.