The authors present a review on the incidence of lithiasis in the ENT region and discuss in more detail dacryolithiasis. Dacryoliths are found in 10 - 20% patients where dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is performed. The are formed by proteins, calcium or phosphate salts. Dacryolithiasis develops in chronic inflammations of the lacrimal sac, it occurs more frequently in women (hormonal influences, the use of cosmetic preparations, the structure of the lacrimal duct). A typical sign of the disease is the variability of complaints and the result of clinical examination. Preoperative assessment of the diagnosis can be assisted by dacryocystography. The method of choice in the treatment of dacryolithiasis is DCR. The authors present their own group of 17 dacryoliths observed 10 times in women and 7 times in men. In all patients DCR eliminated the complaints. The concrements were examined by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. All were formed by proteins. Calcium and phosphate salts were not found.

        Key words: lithiasis, dacryolithiasis, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, dacryocystorhinostomy.