Purpose: To present the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of lacrimal ductular cysts managed with marsupialization.
Methods: Retrospective case review of 13 patients presenting with lacrimal ductular cysts.
Results: Thirteen patients were identified, of which 7 patients with full clinical data were included in the study, 4 female, 3 male, mean age 50 years. Their main presenting symptoms were superolateral orbital swelling, feeling of pressure on the eye, and lateral ptosis. Two patients had bilateral cysts, and the remaining 5 had unilateral cysts. Six patients required surgical marsupialization, and one patient was treated conservatively because of preexisting dry eye. At surgery, one patient had multiple dacryoliths within the cyst. Histopathological analysis of the cyst lining in 5 out of 7 patients showed bilayered cuboidal epithelium with fibrous tissue. None of the patients had dry eye symptoms or signs after surgery. Follow-up ranged from 10 months to 2 years, mean 20 months
Conclusion: Marsupialization is a safe and effective treatment for lacrimal ductular cysts.