Lacrimal diverticula.

Lacrimal diverticula are outpouchings of the lacrimal drainage system. They are suspected clinically by the presence of an intermittent or permanent swelling near the lacrimal sac, which can be emptied, by compression, into the lacrimal system and by patency on irrigation of this system. A series of 12 cases of lacrimal diverticula managed in our department is presented. Five patients underwent a simple dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with or without intubation, two had a DCR and excision of the diverticulum and two had an excision of the diverticulum only. All operated cases remained asymptomatic. As diverticula tend to become infected, they should be treated by excision of the diverticulum with repair of its connection to the lacrimal system. A DCR may be performed in addition, but is probably not always necessary.