Empty Nose Syndrome Treated With Inferior Turbinate Augmentation Using Homologous Costal Cartilage

Abstract

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a debilitating, iatrogenic condition caused by a previous inferior turbinectomy; the symptoms of which include subjective feelings of suffocation despite an objectively patent nasal passage. The definitive treatment for ENS is to replace the missing tissue through surgery. The implantation material and the implantation site are important considerations when it comes to ENS surgery. Here, we present a case of ENS treated with inferior turbinate augmentation using homologous costal cartilage. This novel surgical technique creates a submucosal pocket at the site of the inferior turbinate remnant and implants the homologous costal cartilage therein, thus augmenting the inferior turbinate remnant instead of creating a new turbinate. Our case reported a favorable outcome with no obvious complications. This is a rare case report of an ENS treated with inferior turbinate augmentation by using homologous costal cartilage and offers more insight into ENS surgery.