The Clinical Evaluation of Congenital Lacrimal Fistula

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results and clinical characteristics of congenital lacrimal fistula. METHODS: Fourteen patients were diagnosed with congenital lacrimal fistula and received simple fistulectomy. Three patients received anterior lamella reposition operation simultaneously due to epiblepharon. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and conducted telephone interviews. RESULTS: In 15 eyes of the 14 patients, epiphora through lacrimal fistula disappeared. Two eyes of 2 patients showed a little epiphora only outdoors but there was no need of further treatment. All patients accepted the surgical results cosmetically. Histologically, stratified squamous epithelial change with keratinization was remarkable by aging. In adults, hair follicles with increased keratinization were contained and the result with skin was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Simple fistulectomy was a useful technique for congenital lacrimal fistula.