Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

The use of internal nasal splints is widely accepted in rhinosurgery. The prevention of postoperative septal seromas and hematomas by compacting the dissected tissues and the avoidance of adhesions between septum and turbinates by keeping the opposed mucosal raw surfaces apart are among the advantages offered by these devices. We present our 14 years experience with the Guastella/Mantovani (G/M) septal-valve splint in nasal surgery. Besides the common advantages offered by the other currently available splints, the use of the G/M septal-valve splint helps maintain the proper width of the internal nasal valve angle even as it orthopedically centres the quadrangular cartilage between two opposite and balanced forces. When used in major reconstructive surgery of the nose ? especially surgery in which bone and cartilage grafts and/or composite and cutaneous flaps (e.g., forehead) are needed ? the G/M splint proves its unique effectiveness, securing proper spatial distribution and relationship to each single structure and maintaining patency of the nasal fossae during the healing phase. Adhesions between the lateral nasal wall and the lateral face of the middle turbinate after sino-nasal surgery can easily jeopardise the drainage and ventilation of the anterior sinus system (maxillary, anterior ethmoid, frontal sinuses), and thus lead to persistent sinus diseases. We present the new Dragonfly Splint, the only currently marketed paraseptal splint designed to also prevent post-surgical inter-mucosal adhesions between the lateral face of the middle turbinate and the lateral nasal wall, inside the middle meatus. Our experience with the Dragonfly splint is discussed, showing that the device is well tolerated and highly efficient.

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