Lipogranuloma: A Preventable Complication of Dacryocystorhinostomy

This report describes the unusual occurrence of lipogranuloma at the incision site of dacryocystorhinostomy. Four patients had soft cystic masses after external dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This was attributed to the antibiotic ointment vehicle that coated the petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze placed intranasally to prevent epistaxis. Postoperatively, all four patients had an encapsulated cystic mass within 3 weeks. Three of the masses were excised under local anesthesia and one was aspirated. None of the masses recurred. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:713-715.]