A Case of Empty Nose Syndrome Developed After Septal Spur Removal

Abstract

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare complication of turbinate surgery, in which patients suffer from symptoms such as paradoxical nasal obstruction, nasal dryness, facial pain and feeling excessive nasal openness. Its occurrence is generally attributed to excessive turbinate reductive procedures. However, theoretically, any procedure which can cause increased nasal airflow and decreased nasal resistance may have a risk of causing ENS. We recently experienced a case of ENS developed after septal spur removal without turbinate reduction, which has not previously been reported in the literature. Here we present the case history of this unusual occurrence.