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Incision and drainage may help relieve infection in the nasolacrimal sac

Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;25(6):455-457.

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Drainage of the lacrimal gland can provide relief for some patients with dacryocystitis with minimal risk of lacrimal fistula, according to a study.

In a retrospective analysis of 39 patients, incision and drainage cured the dacryocystitis in 33 patients (84.6%), and a persistent fistula developed in two patients (5.1%). According to the study, dacryocystorhinostomy was later performed in 36 patients (92.3%) to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

"Incision and drainage provides appropriate culture media, symptomatic pain relief, and can facilitate resolution," the study authors said.

According to the study, indications for performing incision and drainage included tense pointing abscess, severe pain not relieved with narcotics, periorbital cellulitis, dacryocystitis refractory to antibiotics alone and the need to control infection before dacryocystorhinostomy.