[Lacrimal system lacerations and their surgical repair]

In lacrimal system lacerations the canaliculi are involved in 70% of cases and the lacrimal sac and/or nasolacrimal duct in 30%. Lacrimal system lacerations can be the result of sharp or blunt trauma. Nasolacrimal ducts may become obstructed by indirect trauma as an aftereffect of naso-orbital fractures. The epidemiology, main principles of surgical repair of canaliculi and of lacrimal sacs and/or nasolacrimal ducts, special techniques of surgical reconstruction and approximate success rates are reviewed with respect to the outcome of our patient collective compared to the literature. Canalicular and lacrimal sac lacerations need urgent primary microsurgical repair with silicone intubation and paying special attention to the medial nasal canthus. In cases of traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction as an aftereffect of mid-facial fractures, a secondary reconstruction should be planned.