Dacryocystectomy: goals, indications, techniques and complications.

Dacryocystectomy is a well-established oculo plastics procedure that refers to a complete surgical extirpation of the lacrimal sac. It was first described by Woolhouse in 1724 and was the standard of care before the advent of dacryocystorhinostomy for management of dacryocystitis and lacrimal fistulas. Although it is a seldom performed procedure worldwide, it still has its place in the surgical armamentarium for certain specific indications like malignant lacrimal sac tumors. It is almost always performed through an external skin incision except in certain exceptional circumstances where endoscopic dacryocystectomy may be needed. This article discusses the indications, goals, techniques, and complications of a dacryocystectomy.