Dacryocystectomy for the treatment of dacryocystitis patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Abstract

We evaluated a woman with Wegener's granulomatosis who was experiencing recurrent dacryocystitis. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction had been present for many years and epiphora was not a significant concern. Our experience with the development of nasalcutaneous fistulas following dacryocystorhinostomy in several patients with Wegner's granulomatosis led us to perform a dacryocystectomy. The functional result was good, and there were no problems with wound healing. Dacryocystectomy should be considered as an alternative to dacryocystorhinostomy for dacryocystitis in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis and similar disorders in whom epiphora is not a major complaint.