[On the conservation of the tear ducts in tumor surgery in the eyelid region (author's transl)].

The conservation of the tear ducts, as well as their partial conservation, must be considered when operating on smaller tumors, depending on the clinical picture and the histological aspect. However, the preparation should be done under magnification to facilitate delineation of the borders of the tumor and to immediately recognize when the tear ducts are opened. The histological description of the kind of tumor and the answer to the question of excision into the healthy tissue decide the further procedure. The placing of an indwelling tear duct probe in the form of a supramid thread or of a polyethylene tube has proved favorable. In case partial resection of the peripheral parts of the canal system is necessary, the remains of the posterior wall of the vertical or horizontal part of the canaliculus must be opened with Vanna's scissors. The remaining vertical or horizontal part of the canaliculus does not lose its suctionpressure pump capillarity when it is opened, but ensures tear drainage.