Extended surgical measures
A nasal bone fracture can have certain complications or involve the surrounding bone structures. An important and common consequence of a nasal bone fracture is the septum or nasal septum hematoma. This is a hemorrhage between the perichondrium (cartilage skin) and cartilage, which can have life-threatening consequences in some cases.
These include meningitis, sinus thrombosis, abscesses and infections. The septal hematoma is visited by means of rhinoscopy (rhinoscopy of the nose) and then usually surgically repaired. An incision is made in the nasal septum, through which the hematoma is then suctioned off.
After the operation, a nasal tamponade is often inserted into the nose to stop the bleeding. This is removed after a few days. If the hematoma has already led to an infection or abscess, antibiotics are indicated.
What to consider
Before the operation of a nasal bone fracture certain things have to be considered. Drugs that interfere with blood clotting (e.g. Marcumar) must be discontinued before the operation. However, the treating physician will inform you in detail.
Otherwise, there may be increased bleeding during the operation. In an outpatient procedure, it is generally not allowed to eat anything for four hours before the operation and not to drink anything for two hours before. Smoking before the operation should be avoided. In the case of in-patient surgery, the time intervals increase.
Complications and consequences
It is quite normal for the nose to be swollen and reddened for a few days after the operation. Pain may also occur. Bleeding, bruising and post-operative bleeding may also occur.
If nerves have been injured during the operation, sensitive sensations or numbness are possible. As with any surgical procedure, wound healing disorders or infections can occur.In addition, the aesthetic appearance and shape of the nose can be impaired by excessive scarring or misalignment. After the operation, nasal breathing and olfactory ability may be restricted.
Very rarely, the so-called rhinitis atrophicans can occur as a complication, which is also commonly known as “stinky nose“. This is a dying off of the nasal mucosa, which is accompanied by reduced ventilation of the nasal mucosa and an increasing colonization by the pathogens. In most cases this complication cannot be reversed. Finally, allergic reactions to the surgical material may occur.
