Lipogranuloma: a preventable complication of dacryocystorhinostomy.

This report describes the unusual occurrence of lipogranuloma at the incision site of dacryocys-torhinostomy. 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.