Empty nose syndrome treated by autologous auricular cartilage turbinate augmentation: a case report

Abstract

Empty nose syndrome (ENS), once viewed as a psychological issue, is now a recognized complication of turbinate surgery. It is most frequently associated with total turbinate excision. Its symptoms include chronic dryness of the nose and pharynx, paradoxical obstruction of the nose, feeling of suffocation, lack of airflow sensation, and even neuropathic pain. It may cause severe stress upon the patient resulting in mood instability issues. Surgical treatment to augment turbinate volume has been reported to be an effective treatment method. We would like to report a case of ENS treated by autologous auricular cartilage turbinate augmentation.

Keywords

• ear cartilage; nasal cavity; natural orifice endoscopic surgery; turbinates; unilateral nasal obstruction