Plastipore implants in the surgical treatment of atrophic rhinitis: technique and results.
BACKGROUND
Atrophic rhinitis is a distressing and socially crippling disease. Surgical treatment has been used for patients with severe disease that is unresponsive to medical therapy.


METHODS
Eight patients with primary atrophic rhinitis were treated surgically by narrowing of the nasal fossae with implantation of 2 Plastipore plates per affected side into submucosal pockets into the floor of the nose and septum, thus reducing the volume of the nasal fossae.


RESULTS
Excellent results were obtained in 6 patients, with complete resolution of symptoms and good results and only minor crusting in 2 patients. One implant was extruded spontaneously 18 months after implantation and was reimplanted. Results in this patient before and after reimplantation were excellent. There were no cases of infection and no other complications.


CONCLUSIONS
We implanted Plastipore, a high-density polyethylene sponge with micropores, which enables tissue ingrowth, anchoring the implants to the surrounding tissue. The surgical technique is performed with the patient under local anesthesia and is relatively easy and avoids complicated flap procedures, allogeneic bone harvesting, and the discomfort of nostril closure for prolonged periods.
Goldenberg
D
D
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rambam Medical Center and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.
Danino
J
J
Netzer
A
A
Joachims
H Z
HZ
D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D020959:Polyethylene; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020959:Polyethylene