Traumatic sinolacrimocutaneous fistula managed with endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and anterior ethmoidectomy

Abstract

A 31-year-old man with epiphora and mucous discharge from a traumatic lacrimal fistula underwent a computed tomographic dacryocystogram, revealing a fistula extending from the anterior ethmoid air cells through the lacrimal sac to the overlying skin with coexisting nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy enabled complete marsupialization of the lacrimal sac and agger nasi air cell, removing the tract between these structures. Simultaneous probing of the common canaliculus and fistula tract under direct visualization allowed the identification of the internal fistula origin in relation to the internal ostium on the lateral sac wall. The fistula was excised with a trephine over a guide wire via an external approach. Use of the endoscopic technique for excision of acquired lacrimal fistulas may be especially helpful in cases with coexisting nasolacrimal duct obstruction where the fistula extends to the sinus cavity or suspected foreign bodies.