Abscess of the lacrimal sac due to chronic or subacute dacryocystitis: treatment with temporary stent placement in the nasolacrimal duct.

Stents were placed temporarily in 10 obstructed lacrimal systems in patients with a chronic or subacute lacrimal abscess that did not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy. In all 10 cases, the abscess was treated successfully. Long-term patency of the lacrimal system was restored in five cases. Temporary stent placement appears to be a promising method to treat a chronic or subacute lacrimal abscess.