Bovine-Derived Collagen Matrix in the Surgical Treatment of Empty Nose Syndrome
Empty nose syndrome (ENS), a relatively rare complication of turbinate surgery, manifests as difficulty breathing through the nose, feelings of nasal obstruction or suffocation, nasal dryness or burning, and general fatigue after turbinate reduction surgery. Psychological symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and loss of productivity. Martin J. Citardi, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, is among the handful of specialists in the U.S. who treat ENS regularly, and also is the senior author of an article published in The International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.
In the article, Dr. Citardi and his colleagues in the department reviewed their use of bovine-derived collagen matrix (BDCM) in augmentation turbinoplasty procedures performed on patients with empty nose syndrome. “To date, there is no other study looking at the use of BDCM in this group of patients,” says Dr. Citardi, who also is vice dean for clinical technology at UTHealth Houston.
Patients who underwent the procedure using the bovine-derived matrix reported significant improvement in nasal dryness and crusting, feelings of suffocation, the feeling of the nose being too open, and a burning sensation. “Our retrospective review confirmed our impression that these patients have had a sustainable and durable positive response,” he says. “The matrix is easy to manipulate, does not get infected, and seems to be sustainable. We’re also avoiding the second incision and healing time required with an autograft. As awareness of the condition increases, we expect to see more patients in need of treatment.”
Reference
Cameron BH, Talmadge J, Citardi MJ. Use of bovine-derived collagen matrix in the surgical treatment of empty nose syndrome. The International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.