[Nasal splint--space holder for after-care in endoscopic paranasal sinus operations].

BACKGROUND: Scars and synechiae in the middle meatus of the nose are dreaded late complications of endoscopic sinus surgery. The placement of a stent into the ethmoidal sinus for ventilation and drainage during and after the wound healing in the nose and the sinuses seems to be advantageous.

METHOD: A nasal splint (Nasensplint, Primed, Halberstadt) made of silicone, consisting of an oval shaped plate and a lateral groove with an attached strap is presented. A part of the groove should be placed in the middle meatus of the nose. The plate also acts as a stent after septal surgery. Up to now the nasal splint was placed in 32 patients after endoscopic sinus surgery and were left in place for 5-14 days.

RESULTS: All patients tolerated the stents. No side effects or complications were observed. In the postoperative controls (2-12 weeks) no synechiae were observed.

CONCLUSION: The nasal splint presented here seems to be a useful solution for problems in postoperative wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery. It can help to avoid fibrin bridges between corresponding wound surfaces.