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Unilateral nasal obstruction: an unusual presentation of a complication of nasotracheal intubation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. J. Kuo*
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
A. P. Reid
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
J. E. Smith
Affiliation:
Departments of Anaesthetics, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
*
Mr M. J. Kuo, Registrar in ENT, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Princes Road, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST4 7LN.

Abstract

Partial avulsion of the middle turbinate is an unusual complication of nasotracheal intubation while minor nasal mucosal trauma is not uncommon. Nasal turbinate avulsion often presents with persistent epistaxis but in the case reported, unilateral nasal obstruction with minimal epistaxis was the presenting feature. Unilateral nasal obstruction following nasotracheal intubation should raise suspicion of significant disruption of the intranasal architecture.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

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