Assessment of mucosal changes associated with nasal splint in a rabbit model.
BACKGROUND
There is no consensus on duration of the nasal splint after nasal septum surgeries. The pressure of nasal splint on the mucosa may cause tissue necrosis and nasal septum perforation.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the histopathological changes of the nasal mucosa caused by nasal splints in a rabbit model.


METHODS
No splint was used in group A. Bilateral silicone nasal splints were placed for five, ten, and 15 days in groups B, C, and D, respectively. Biopsy of the nasal mucosa was performed after removal of splint. Histopathologic evaluations were performed. The severity and depth of the inflammation were scored.


RESULTS
Group A had a normal histological appearance. Comparison of the results of groups B, C, and D with group A demonstrated statistically significant differences with regards to the severity of histopathological findings. There was no statistically significant difference between groups B and C. There were statistically significant differences between the groups B and D, and also between groups C and D.


CONCLUSIONS
Longer duration of nasal splint had a higher risk for septal perforation. Therefore, removal of the splint as soon as possible may be helpful for preventing potential perforations.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Mehmet
M
Tan
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Medeniyet University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: mtkalcioglu@hotmail.com.
M Tayyar
MT
Kalcioglu
Department of Pathology, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Nurhan
N
Sahin
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Tuba
T
Bayindir
Department of Pathology, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Emine
E
Samdanci
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zekai Tahir Burak Hospital, Ankara, Turke.
Aliye
A
Filiz
D000818:Animals; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D061270:Nasal Septal Perforation; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery*; D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D013165:Splints / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013630:Tampons, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*
Mucosa nasal; Nasal mucosa; Nasal septal perforation; Nasal septum; Perfuração do septo nasal; Septo nasal; Tampons surgical; Tampões cirúrgicos