Nasolacrimal obstruction after maxillary sinus and rhinoplastic surgery

Transient nasolacrimal obstruction is a common complication of maxillary sinus, as well as rhinoplastic surgery. Permanent epiphora, however, is unusual. This communication describes 11 patients with surgical injury to the lacrimal drainage system, which necessitated dacryocystorhinostomy for correction. Seven of these cases occurred subsequent to nasoantral window procedures, three occurred after rhinoplasty, and one resulted from a partial maxillectomy. It has been shown that the two areas most vulnerable to inadvertent surgical injury are the nasolacrimal sac, located just beneath the medial canthal ligament, and the ductal ostium in the inferior meatus. We discuss the relevant anatomy of the nasolacrimal apparatus, in addition to surgical methods for avoiding injury to the system. We also describe the currently applied techniques for diagnosing and managing lacrimal obstruction and review the literature.