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Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Concrements of the lacrimal apparatus, known as dacryoliths, can occur at different localizations and can cause a variety of symptoms. A common clinical sign is chronic inflammation, possibly exhibiting acute exacerbation. Based on a literature review and descriptive clinical cases with histopathological correlations, this contribution summarises the most important information concerning epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, composition, histology, and therapy of lacrimal concrements. Furthermore, factors known to affect lacrimal lithogenesis are addressed. Concrements of the lacrimal gland cause a swelling at the lateral canthus. With only mild pain, this manifests as circumscribed conjunctival hyperaemia. Histologically, the gland tissue is characterised by acute-erosive to chronic inflammation. The concrements consist of amorphic material. Inflammatory infiltration is dominated by neutrophil granulocytes. Canalicular concrements are highly correlated with chronic canaliculitis. Besides epiphora, patients present with purulent discharge at the affected canaliculus. Actinomyces are frequently found inside these deposits and form drusen-like formations. The surrounding tissue reacts with plasma-cellular and granulocytic inflammation. Dacryoliths (concrements of the lacrimal sac) are associated with dacryocystitis, whereby acute and chronic types are common. Stones can be found in up to 18% of patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy or dacryoendoscopy. Preoperative diagnostic testing is challenging, as many lacrimal sac stones cannot be reliably visualised by diagnostic procedures. Recurring episodes of epiphora, mucopurulent discharge, and dacryocystitis are common indicators of dacryoliths. Lacrimal syringing is often possible and shows that total blockage is not present. Histology of the lacrimal mucosa reveals lymphocytic infiltration and submucosal fibrosis. The immediate vicinity of the dacryoliths shows acute inflammation. Therapy consists of stone extraction and improving lacrimal drainage, as the latter is recognised as the main risk factor for dacryolith formation., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis (CDC). Different modifications of the surgical procedure have been developed over the years., Methods: Patients with CDC due to postsaccal lacrimal stenosis and under treatment with DCR have been included in this retrospective study. Two groups of different surgical procedures were analysed: firstly DCR without reconstruction of the ductus nasolacrimalis (DNL, group 1) and secondly patients with reopening the DNL (group 2). Criteria for success were absence of permanent epiphora, absence of inflammation of the lacrimal sac (functional success), and no recurrent surgery with free patency of the lacrimal duct (anatomical success). This was obtained by questionnaire after a follow-up of at least 12 months. The impact of gender, ectasia of the lacrimal sac, dacryoliths, and prior lacrimal surgeries was analysed., Results: Overall, 248 surgeries were enrolled in this trial. Mean age in group 1 was 68 years (range: 22 to 92 years) and gender ratio was 3.2 to 1 (female : male). In that group, 68 operations could be followed up. In group 2, 62 operations on patients of a mean age of 63 years (range: 24 to 89 years) and a gender ratio of 2.9 to 1 (female : male) were observed. Complete success occurred in 75.0% in group 1 and 75.8% in group 2. Recurrent operations were necessary in one case of group 2 (1.6%) and 4 cases of group 1 (5.9%). Gender (group 1 p = 1; group 2 p = 0.115; between groups p = 0.511), ectasia of the lacrimal sac (group 1 p = 0.877; group 2 p = 0.674; between groups p = 0.878), dacryolith (group 1 p = 1; group 2 p = 0.465; between groups p = 1), and prior lacrimal surgery (group 1 p = 0.092; group 2 p = 0.051; between groups p = 0.520) did not influence the success rates in each group or between groups. Significantly more dacryoliths were found during operations of group 2 (p = 0.010)., Conclusion: Reconstruction of the DNL during DCR is a possible and easy modification, with a slightly better success rate in curing CDC. Intraoperatively, dacryoliths might not be apparent remain in the deeper parts of the lacrimal ducts. Therefore, these segments should be inspected during surgery., Competing Interests: Die Autoren Wiebke Dettmer, Hans-Gert Struck, Andrea Schmidt-Pokrzywniak, Arne Viestenz und Jens Heichel geben an, dass keine Interessenkonflikte vorliegen. Friedrich Paulsen wurde von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) gefördert (grant PA738/15-1). Er erhält Tantiemen von Elsevier für die 24. Edition des Anatomieatlanten „Sobotta“ und „Sobotta Textbook of Anatomy,“ in der 2. Auflage. Mohammad Javed Ali erhält Tantiemen vom Springer-Verlag für das Werk „Principles and Practice of Lacrimal Surgery“, „Atlas of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders“ und „Video Atlas of Lacrimal Surgery“./The authors Wiebke Dettmer, Hans-Gert Struck, Andrea Schmidt-Pokrzywniak, Arne Viestenz and Jens Heichel have no conficts of interest to be reported. Friedrich Paulsen has received grants from the Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; PA738/15-1). He obtains royalty from Elsevier for 24th edition of Anatomy Atlas “Sobotta” and “Sobotta Textbook of Anatomy” second edition. Mohammad Javed Ali obtains royalty from Springer for “Principles and Practise of Lacrimal Surgery”, “Atlas of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders”, and “Video Atlas of Lacrimal Surgery”., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Congenital dacryostenosis is the most common reason for ophthalmic consultation in childhood. It is most often caused by persisting of Hasner's membrane. However, congenital malformations of the lacrimal drainage system can also occur in rare cases. In the area of the proximal lacrimal drainage system, supernumerary lacrimal puncta and canaliculi can arise as well as diverticula, fistula, and atresia. The distal lacrimal drainage system can be affected by fistulas, amniotoceles, and cysts. Association of lacrimal malformations with congenital systemic diseases is reported in about 10% of cases. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, surgical rehabilitation can be performed, and endoscopic procedures and modern lacrimal drainage intubation systems may be employed., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Concrements of the lacrimal apparatus, known as dacryoliths, can occur at different localizations and can cause a variety of symptoms. A common clinical sign is chronic inflammation, possibly exhibiting acute exacerbation. Based on a literature review and descriptive clinical cases with histopathological correlations, this contribution summarises the most important information concerning epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, composition, histology, and therapy of lacrimal concrements. Furthermore, factors known to affect lacrimal lithogenesis are addressed. Concrements of the lacrimal gland cause a swelling at the lateral canthus. With only mild pain, this manifests as circumscribed conjunctival hyperaemia. Histologically, the gland tissue is characterised by acute-erosive to chronic inflammation. The concrements consist of amorphic material. Inflammatory infiltration is dominated by neutrophil granulocytes. Canalicular concrements are highly correlated with chronic canaliculitis. Besides epiphora, patients present with purulent discharge at the affected canaliculus. Actinomyces are frequently found inside these deposits and form drusen-like formations. The surrounding tissue reacts with plasma-cellular and granulocytic inflammation. Dacryoliths (concrements of the lacrimal sac) are associated with dacryocystitis, whereby acute and chronic types are common. Stones can be found in up to 18% of patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy or dacryoendoscopy. Preoperative diagnostic testing is challenging, as many lacrimal sac stones cannot be reliably visualised by diagnostic procedures. Recurring episodes of epiphora, mucopurulent discharge, and dacryocystitis are common indicators of dacryoliths. Lacrimal syringing is often possible and shows that total blockage is not present. Histology of the lacrimal mucosa reveals lymphocytic infiltration and submucosal fibrosis. The immediate vicinity of the dacryoliths shows acute inflammation. Therapy consists of stone extraction and improving lacrimal drainage, as the latter is recognised as the main risk factor for dacryolith formation., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht./The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Congenital dacryostenosis is the most common reason for ophthalmic consultation in childhood. It is most often caused by persisting of Hasner's membrane. However, congenital malformations of the lacrimal drainage system can also occur in rare cases. In the area of the proximal lacrimal drainage system, supernumerary lacrimal puncta and canaliculi can arise as well as diverticula, fistula, and atresia. The distal lacrimal drainage system can be affected by fistulas, amniotoceles, and cysts. Association of lacrimal malformations with congenital systemic diseases is reported in about 10% of cases. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, surgical rehabilitation can be performed, and endoscopic procedures and modern lacrimal drainage intubation systems may be employed., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht./The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Trauma of the medial canthal region can affect all parts of the lacrimal ducts. Depending on the patient's age, there may be different mechanisms of injury. Surgical reconstruction using two autostable ("self-retaining") monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes is demonstrated by two case reports. Here, a 6 years old girl attacked by a dog (Rottweiler) showed severe periocular soft tissue damage with deep involvement of the lacrimal ducts. The child's inferior canaliculus was lacerated. Furthermore, the common canaliculus was dissected from the lacrimal sac. Deep soft tissue damage consisted of blunt and sharp injuries down to the cheek and nose. After lacrimal intubation with two autostable monocanaliculonasal tubes, the soft tissue was reconstructed by direct canalicular suturing and stepwise closure of each layer. One of the lacrimal tubes was fixated at the lid by additional sutures, in order to avoid stent prolapse. Beside slight medial depression of inferior lid, there were no signs of functional disturbance of the lacrimal ducts. The follow-up was 18 months. The second case report presents a 43 years old man. He accidentally cut himself with a butcher's knife. He suffered a deep wound of his medial canthal region. The patient presented with proximal (located near the lacrimal sac) laceration of both canaliculi. The medial canthal ligament as well as the orbicularis muscle had been cut. Using two autostable monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes, the lacrimal ducts were stented and reconstructed with sutures. During the follow-up of 6 months, no epiphora or mucopurulent lacrimal discharge occurred. In lacrimal trauma, different parts of the lacrimal ducts may be affected at the same time. Identification of the injured structures with respect to the kind of injury, localisation and the extent of damage is crucial. Stepwise wound closure in respect to the topographic anatomy is mandatory. Here, lid and lacrimal ducts must be respected as one functional unit. Simultaneous use of autostable monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes in both canaliculi can be applied for trauma reconstruction of the lacrimal ducts in children and adults., Competing Interests: Bei allen beteiligten Autorinnen/Autoren liegen keinerlei Interessenkonflikte vor., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

The tearing eye (epiphora) is the guiding symptome of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Depending on the localization of stenosis, mucopurulent lacrimal discharge occurs additionally. These symptoms induce alterations of the optical system and can cause severe complications such as acute phlegmonous dacryocystitis. The grade of suffering in these patients is very high. For the diagnosis, patient's history, ocular surface conditions and inspection (macro-/microscopically) as well as palpation of the lacrimal region are essential examinations. Moreover, functional and anatomical tests enable a classification of nasolacrimal duct obstruction regarding grade of stenosis (incomplete vs. complete), type (functional vs. mechanical), and localization (pre-, intra-, postsaccal). ENT consultation prior to lacrimal surgery is obligate. Through this, a purposeful therapeutic intervention is warranted. Surgical methods consist of minimally invasive transcanalicular procedures or anastomosing surgeries. Dependent on the clinical findings, these treatment options can be applied in a patient centered therapeutic concept., Competing Interests: Erklärung zu finanziellen Interessen Forschungsförderung erhalten: nein; Honorar/geldwerten Vorteil für Referententätigkeit erhalten: nein; Bezahlter Berater/interner Schulungsreferent/Gehaltsempfänger: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an im Bereich der Medizin aktiven Firma: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an zu Sponsoren dieser Fortbildung bzw. durch die Fortbildung in ihren Geschäftsinteressen berührten Firma: nein. Erklärung zu nichtfinanziellen Interessen Struck/Heichel: Mitgliedschaften in DOG – Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft; BVA – Berufsverband für Augenärzte; SATh – Gesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens e. V., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Trauma of the medial canthal region can affect all parts of the lacrimal ducts. Depending on the patient's age, there may be different mechanisms of injury. Surgical reconstruction using two autostable ("self-retaining") monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes is demonstrated by two case reports. Here, a 6 years old girl attacked by a dog (Rottweiler) showed severe periocular soft tissue damage with deep involvement of the lacrimal ducts. The child's inferior canaliculus was lacerated. Furthermore, the common canaliculus was dissected from the lacrimal sac. Deep soft tissue damage consisted of blunt and sharp injuries down to the cheek and nose. After lacrimal intubation with two autostable monocanaliculonasal tubes, the soft tissue was reconstructed by direct canalicular suturing and stepwise closure of each layer. One of the lacrimal tubes was fixated at the lid by additional sutures, in order to avoid stent prolapse. Beside slight medial depression of inferior lid, there were no signs of functional disturbance of the lacrimal ducts. The follow-up was 18 months. The second case report presents a 43 years old man. He accidentally cut himself with a butcher's knife. He suffered a deep wound of his medial canthal region. The patient presented with proximal (located near the lacrimal sac) laceration of both canaliculi. The medial canthal ligament as well as the orbicularis muscle had been cut. Using two autostable monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes, the lacrimal ducts were stented and reconstructed with sutures. During the follow-up of 6 months, no epiphora or mucopurulent lacrimal discharge occurred. In lacrimal trauma, different parts of the lacrimal ducts may be affected at the same time. Identification of the injured structures with respect to the kind of injury, localisation and the extent of damage is crucial. Stepwise wound closure in respect to the topographic anatomy is mandatory. Here, lid and lacrimal ducts must be respected as one functional unit. Simultaneous use of autostable monocanaliculonasal lacrimal tubes in both canaliculi can be applied for trauma reconstruction of the lacrimal ducts in children and adults., Competing Interests: Bei allen beteiligten Autoren liegen keinerlei Interessenkonflikte vor., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The tearing eye (epiphora) is deemed to be the leading symptome of efferent tear duct stenosis. Nevertheless, epiphora might be caused by ocular surface pathologies or even intraocular diseases. A distinguished anamnesis and sufficient clinical examination is most meaningful for the differential diagnostic distinction. Therapy is based on pathologic changes. In case of ocular surface disease, a suitable tear substitution and antiinflammatory approach is mandatory. Multifarious triggers have to be considered as well. Addressing tear film distribution, suitable oculoplastic surgery is required. Efferent tear duct stenosis necessitates surgical treatment as the level of suffering is often very high and acute exacerbations may develop. Besides recanalization, anastomosing techniques represent the available therapeutic principles. Possible surgical approaches offer a great variety and many influencing factors navigate therapy decisions. This part of the review comments on the most important therapeutic approaches for lacrimal apparatus diseases., Competing Interests: Erklärung zu finanziellen InteressenForschungsförderung erhalten: nein; Honorar/geldwerten Vorteil für Referententätigkeit erhalten: nein; Bezahlter Berater/interner Schulungsreferent/Gehaltsempfänger: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Nicht-Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein.Erklärung zu nichtfinanziellen InteressenDie Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The lacrimal apparatus is a part of the ocular adnexa preserving ocular surface homoeostasis and therefore enabling sufficiant visual functioning. Tear producting tissues, eyelids and efferent tear ducts operate as one functional unit. Pathologic changes consist of inflammatory diseases, congenital disorders, degenerations and neoplasia. Common to all these conditions is a potential impairment of the ocular integrity as well as a substantial degree of suffering for the affected patients. This review reflects basics of the anatomy, physiology, and diagnostics of the lacrimal apparatus., Competing Interests: Erklärung zu finanziellen InteressenForschungsförderung erhalten: nein; Honorar/geldwerten Vorteil für Referententätigkeit erhalten: nein; Bezahlter Berater/interner Schulungsreferent/Gehaltsempfänger: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Nicht-Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein.Erklärung zu nichtfinanziellen InteressenDie Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)