Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-dsjbd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T04:05:21.170Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

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

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Anderson, C. E., Savignac, A. C. (1991) Nasotracheal tube obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate impaction. Aana Journal 59 (6): 538540.Google Scholar
Bandy, D. P., Theberge, D. M.Richardson, D. D. (1991) Obstruction of nasotracheal tube by inferior turbinate. Anesthesia Progress 38(1): 2728.Google Scholar
Fassoulaki, A., Andreopoulou, K.Saleh, M., Kitharitzi, D. (1990) Metabolic and cardiovascular responses following oral and nasal intubation of the trachea. Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica 41(3): 281286.Google ScholarPubMed
Katz, R. I., Hovagim, A. R., Finkelstein, H. S., Grinberg, Y., Boccio, R. V., Poppers, P. J. (1990) A comparison of cocaine, lidocaine with epinephrine, and oxymetazoline for prevention of epistaxis on nasotracheal intubation. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia 2(1): 1620.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Scamman, F. L., Babin, R. W. (1983) An unusual complication of nasotracheal intubation. Anesthesiology 59: 352353.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Smith, J. E., Grewal, M. S. (1991) Cardiovascular effects of nasotracheal intubation. Anaesthesia 46(8): 683686.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Snow, J. C. (1982). Anesthesia in Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology, Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York.Google Scholar